ACLU Files Suit Challenging Georgia Kosher Laws

The ACLU filed an interesting lawsuit this morning challenging a Georgia law that mandates all foods sold as kosher in state to adhere to "orthodox Hebrew religious rules and requirements. ACLU's argument is that by siding with the orthodox side of Judaism, the state "delegitimizes different interpretations of kosher adhered to in other Jewish communities," refering to more liberal denominations like Conservative or Reformed Judaism.

Here's a snippet from the ACLU's official announcement:

The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Superior Court on behalf of Shalom Lewis, rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Cobb County who, as a Conservative Jew, is unable to fulfill his rabbinical duties because his theological interpretation of kosher differs from that of orthodox Judaism.

"I don't want to choose between abiding by state law and practicing my religion according to my beliefs," Lewis said. "It is unfortunate that non-Orthodox rabbis in Georgia must make the moral and ethical decision to risk legal prosecution in order to fulfill their rabbinical duties. The two should not be incompatible in America, where everyone's religious beliefs are to be respected."

By William Wan  |  August 6, 2009; 10:07 AM ET  | Category:  God in Government Save & Share:                 
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Posted by: davebrianbender | August 11, 2009 9:14 AM
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