The United Synagogue

The United Synagogue and Legislative Reform after the Supreme Court Judgment in the JFS Case

In response to an enquiry made by the Jewish Chronicle regarding last week's statement by the RCUS, the United Synagogue issued the following:

'Whilst we understand and sympathise with the RCUS' desire to take immediate action, we must also responsibly consider the chances of success in moving so rapidly. We are fully committed to supporting the Board of Deputies' position in leading for legislative reform but the success of this strategy relies on a greater understanding of the actual and potential effects of the Supreme Court Judgment, supplemented by a consultation programme with the wider Jewish community. There needs to be a considered approach if the Board of Deputies is to maximise our chances of successful legislative reform.'

Background

Successful legislative reform is dependent on a complex programme of research and consultation, including:

� Full understanding of actual and potential effects of the Supreme Court Judgement on schools and other community activities
� Full legal review of amendment options
� Research of likely effects of change both with regard to Jewish Community and beyond
� Consultation with groups within the Community likely to be affected;
� Lobbying of all political parties
� Lobbying of outside groups e.g. Equality Commission, other religious denominations etc
� PR campaign

The Equality Bill has very tight deadlines requiring an amendment to be submitted within weeks, hardly enough time to carry out the necessary programme. The Government is anxious to see the Equality Bill enacted before the General Election and any amendment would need to be as uncontroversial as possible. Without the above programme, the Government is unlikely to risk the Bill for the sake of one amendment.

A failed attempt to achieve reform now will substantially weaken any chance for future legislative change. Other opportunities are likely to arise in the next Parliament. By that time, the Jewish Community will have carried out the necessary research and consultation programme so as to maximise the chances of success.

The US will consider its advice to schools and other associated institutions, based primarily on its own requirements, after fully understanding the effects of the Judgment. Communal harmony is important for the Board to achieve a mandate. However, other Jewish denominations need independently to come to a view about the need for reform, without making demands of the US and its associated institutions.

Whilst the Trustees of the United Synagogue fully understand and sympathise with the RCUS desire to take immediate action, we must also responsibly consider the chances of success in moving so rapidly. We are fully committed to pursuing the legislative reform route with vigour and we must develop a strategy that ensures success.

January 2010