ADL 'Deeply Disappointed' With Results Of North Carolina Same-Sex Marriage Vote

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed deep disappointment with the results of North Carolina's vote on Tuesday, that approved Amendment One, a Constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage.

David C. Friedman, ADL's Washington, DC Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The vote effectively legitimizes discrimination against North Carolinians who seek the same rights as married men and women. The principle of equal treatment means that same-sex couples should be entitled to all the rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage. While religious communities should be able to decide for themselves what relationships they will recognize, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is as ugly as any other form of discrimination and has no place in American society.

ADL has opposed bans on same-sex marriage and any other efforts that would discriminate against a specific group of Americans.  The League has supported efforts to extend all the rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage to same-sex couples and believes that to be treated equally, same-sex couples must have the same access to marriage – a fundamental right – as other couples.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

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