The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League here is urging state legislators to support a bill to be introduced by State Sen. Peter Mills that would act against discrimination by private clubs. Sen. Mills intends to introduce a measure which would deny to a private club a state liquor or food license if the club bars members on religion or race grounds. Dr. Benjamin Zolov of Portland, ADL area chairman for Maine and vice chairman of the New England regional ADL board, said the organization had investigated and found private clubs in the Portland area which discriminate.
ADL has sent telegrams to the legislative leadership urging bi-partisan support of the projected Mills bill. The Portland B’nai B’rith sent letters to local organizations urging that in selecting meeting places they exclude from consideration any club or facility which “erects racial or religious barriers.” The Portland Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has voiced support for the proposed bill.
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