US Jewish organizations welcome religious freedom bill 

American Jewish groups have praised the re-introduction into Congress of a bill aimed at guaranteeing religious freedom in the workplace. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act, introduced into both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, would give employees freedom to wear religious clothing at work and be accommodated on religious holidays. Abba Cohen, director of Agudath Israel of America, said the bill is an “important step toward providing the full measure of protection federal law was intended to offer the religiously observant employee.” The bill, which has languished for years in Congress, was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Kerry and Rick Santorum. Congressmen Mark Souder and Carolyn McCarthy have sponsored the legislation in the House.