Chicago, IL, April 25, 2006 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised the signing Senate Bill 2165, which protects the religious freedom of condominium owners. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich on the first night of Passover,  ensures that condo owners will be able to observe the tenets of their faith at home, including being able to display religiously-mandated objects on their front door or doorframe.

ADL brought the bill to the attention of Illinois lawmakers and drafted the bill's language after receiving several complaints that Chicago condo associations had forced observant Jews to take down their mezuzahs. A mezuzah is a small case containing a verse from the Bible, which Jewish law obligates all Jews to affix to the doorposts of their homes. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, unanimously passed both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate.

"We wanted to make clear that condo associations should not be taking down the mezuzahs of Jewish residents or preventing any residents from observing the mandated obligations of their faith," said Lonnie Nasatir, ADL Chicago Regional Director. "This legislation sets an important precedent in ensuring that the religious freedom of condo owners is protected. We commend Governor Blagojevich, Senator Silverstein and Representative Feigenholtz for their leadership on this issue."

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.