Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) broke ranks with Democratic leadership on Tuesday to vote against Assembly Bill 2218 due to concerns about its potential impacts on free speech and religious liberty in New Jersey.
Voting against your own party in the New Jersey Legislature is extraordinarily rare. Leadership expects loyalty, and legislators who break ranks often do so at a cost. For Schnall, the decision came after consultations with the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America.
The bill is intended to shield patients and health care providers from legal consequences for reproductive health care activity. The bill had been revised before its final vote, with some of its most troubling language removed after pushback from religious and civil liberties advocates.
The remaining language was broad enough that it could realistically be used to target religious expression, faith-based counseling, and protected speech, which is deeply concerning for many residents of the 30th district
Schnall’s constituents in Lakewood and the surrounding communities were strongly opposed to the legislation. Representing them meant going up against his own party, against leadership pressure, and against the way things almost always work in Trenton. He did it anyway, standing on moral and religious conviction to guide him.
Which is why he should consider running as an Independent next time. His seat is all but guaranteed. Let the two parties fight over his vote.
not sure why he deserves a thank you for voting the torah view, isnt he a frum jew that is obligated to keep halacho just as the rest of us? i wouldnt expect any different from any other frum jew in his position
He’s still a Democrat and still votes Democrat. He has voted on ridiculous legislation that no same Jew should ever vote for. And the only reason he does it is because he has to get along with everybody. You guys were all duped. When you hang out with dogs you get fleas and he has gotten plenty of fleas! .
By the way remember let’s see he voted so that food establishment include plastic cutlery.
Last week, he voted in order to force businesses to pay a $350 tax or something like that per employee that might have to be on Jersey Care, including any family members who have to be on Jersey Care. This is not right.
He has fleas. He is full of fleas! Don’t get all excited by his wonderful wonderful charm. It’s all phony baloney!
איו לרשע איו לשכנוי