Reform Judaism Panel Issues Defense of ACLU

Reform Judaism’s Commission on Social Action defended the American Civil Liberties Union in a statement responding to Republican criticism of Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis’ membership in the organization.

“We find an organization whose principles are deep in our nation’s tradition and spirit being slandered as outside the mainstream of American life,” said the commission in a statement issued this week.

“It is not necessary to agree with every position and every policy adopted by the American Civil Liberties Union to assert that membership in it should be regarded . . . as a badge of honor.” The commission, based in New York, is the social justice arm of Reform rabbis and 820 North American synagogues.