New York, NY, July 12, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) this week urged both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) to give high priority at their respective conventions to the crucial domestic issues of combating hate crimes and bigotry, maintaining a firm and unequivocal separation of church and state, supporting civil rights, and continuing support for Israel and the peace process.

In statements submitted to the platform committees of both the DNC and the RNC in advance of the adoption of party platforms at their respective conventions, ADL urged the parties to:

·Assign a high priority to the enactment and implementation of comprehensive hate crime laws, which are particularly important in light of the recent spate of church arsons

·Affirm their commitment to the separation of church and state, including continued support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, thus ensuring religious freedom for all Americans

·Continue efforts to combat terrorist activity both at home and abroad, including controls on fundraising and the procurement of weapons and dual-use technology

·Call on international, political, religious, and communal leaders to condemn anti-Semitism and provide guidance to emerging democracies on the dangers of discrimination

·Affirm their commitment to both the security and economic vitality of Israel and to the peace process

·Support the use of bona fide affirmative action programs which help ensure equal opportunity

·Support an individual's right to make her own decisions with respect to reproductive issues and reproductive health

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.