National Council of Jewish Women Condemns Supreme Court Decision in Philadelphia Foster Care Case
National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2021
Media Contact: Alyson Malinger, West End Strategy Team
amalinger@westendstrategy.com; 917-935-7311
WASHINGTON — Today, the Supreme Court ruled in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia that discrimination against same-sex couples hoping to foster children was legal in the narrow circumstances of this case. National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement condemning the decision:
“Every child deserves to grow up with a loving family, not to be kept in foster care or a group home while welcoming parents are disqualified by an arbitrary religious test because of who they love. This Supreme Court decision is a devastating loss for Philadelphia children in foster care, who are harmed when the religious beliefs of government-funded agencies override the best interests of the children.
“While today’s ruling thankfully did not recognize a general right to discriminate under the guise of religious freedom, we are extremely disappointed that the Supreme Court chose to allow discrimination to continue in Philadelphia.
“As Jews, we are guided by the belief that all people — including our beloved LGBTQ+ community members — are created b’tzelem Elohim, in the Divine image, and deserve to live full and happy lives free from discrimination. We urge the continued enforcement and introduction of anti-discrimination laws, including the Equality Act that would add explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to our civil rights laws. National Council of Jewish Women will continue to work to ensure LGBTQ equality and inclusion by supporting laws, policies and programs that protect equal rights and opportunities for all people, the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and the right to birth, foster, adopt and parent with dignity.”
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.