New York, NY, March 1, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) for their message to political leaders to “reject any group or cause that is built on bigotry” and thanked them for using their roles to communicate this unequivocal rejection of hate.
Earlier today, Speaker Ryan stated that there can be “no evasion and no games” when it comes to denouncing racism and anti-Semitism. Majority Leader McConnell remarked in a press conference this afternoon: “Senate Republicans condemn David Duke, the KKK, and his racism….I condemn his [David Duke’s] views in the most forceful way.”
“We are gratified that both Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan came out strongly against extremism and hate,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Statements like these to reject any group or cause that is ‘built on bigotry’ are vital in this current climate.”
In letters to both, Mr. Greenblatt reiterated the importance of Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan’s roles in “framing the parameters of acceptable discourse for all Americans.”
“Your clarity and your leadership deeply matter not just in the tenor of the political debate, but in the lives of people affected by this dehumanizing bigotry,” Mr. Greenblatt wrote. “Thank you for using your bully pulpit to strongly communicate that leaders must firmly, unequivocally, reject racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of bigotry. Your leadership is an example we hope others will follow.”
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, ADL takes no position on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for office.