Washington, D.C., December 4, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed disappointment at the Senate’s failure to ratify a landmark international treaty to secure equal rights for people with disabilities by a vote of 61-38.
A two thirds super majority of 67 votes is required to ratify treaties.
As part of its mission to fight discrimination, ADL has been active in urging the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to ensure that people living with disabilities enjoy equal opportunity and full participation in communities across the world.
Barry Curtiss-Lusher, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:
The adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set an important standard against discrimination that is too rare in countries around the globe where people with disabilities are marginalized and denied basic protections. This treaty simply aims to take our own model standard to countries around the world to empower and protect people where they live.
We are profoundly disappointed that 38 Senators did not see fit to affirm America’s commitment to be a global leader promoting the promise of equality and human dignity for all.
We are grateful to the Senators who championed the CRPD, including Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and John Kerry (D-MA). We applaud the incomparable leadership on this issue of former Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole, who, at age 89, still worked vigorously to marshal Senate support.
ADL has supported laws like the ADA, and fights for robust protection against discriminations and uses online education tools to raise awareness about the experiences of people with disabilities and the struggle for equal access and equal treatment.