Leading Jewish Leader Likens Anti-Gay Christian Right To Hitler

A leading American Jewish leader has likened the anti-gay policies of today’s Christian right to those of Adolf Hitler. The Associated Press reports: “The leader of the largest branch of American Judaism blasted conservative religious activists in a speech Saturday, calling them 'zealots' who claim a 'monopoly on God' while promoting anti-gay policies akin to Adolf Hitler's. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the liberal Union for Reform Judaism, said ‘religious right’ leaders believe ‘unless you attend my church, accept my God and study my sacred text you cannot be a moral person.’"

The AP reports that Yoffie “used particularly strong language to condemn conservative attitudes toward homosexuals. He said he understood that traditionalists have concluded gay marriage violates Scripture, but he said that did not justify denying legal protections to same-sex partners and their children.” "We cannot forget that when Hitler came to power in 1933, one of the first things that he did was ban gay organizations," Yoffie said. "Yes, we can disagree about gay marriage. But there is no excuse for hateful rhetoric that fuels the hellfires of anti-gay bigotry."