Washington, DC, September 23, 2008 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has joined with a coalition of religious and civil rights organizations in an effort to stop the Senate's consideration of H.R. 6842, which would endanger the lives of D.C. residents and the millions of people who visit Washington each year.

H.R. 6842 would remove D.C.'s bans on semiautomatic weapons and handgun ammunition, repeal registration requirements, and remove criminal penalties for possession of unregistered firearms. In the few remaining days before recessing, Congress should be working to protect Americans – not to place them in greater danger.  

ADL issued the following statement:

The Anti-Defamation League opposes H.R. 6842 and urges the Senate to reject this excessive, punitive legislation.

ADL has long been an advocate for strong, effective and sensible gun control legislation. Gun violence and the caching of dangerous weapons are commonplace among extremists. If states lose the right to regulate firearm ownership, it would help violent bigots in their efforts to create an America based on hate and intolerance.

Like other states, the District of Columbia should be able to enact sensible restrictions designed to make it more difficult for children as well as extremists to acquire and use guns and other dangerous weapons.

Joining ADL in opposing H.R. 6842 are: DC Vote, Friends Committe on National Legislation, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jews United for Justice, National Council of Jewish Women, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) Washington Office, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society, and The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring.

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.