Is the “Jewish Political Action Committee” a recognised authority?

Question

Members of this organisation attended a protest against marriage equality in New York alongside Westboro Baptist Church and the National Organization for Marriage.

To what extent are the actions and beliefs of this group representative of Judaism in general?

Note: I'm asking mainly about the group, more than the beliefs or their mode of expression. They're obviously claiming to be speaking on behalf of Judaism in general. Are they? Are they a well-known body with a policy and agenda which with which many Jews would agree? Or are they an unknown bunch of hate-filled rabble-rousers?

Basically, my question is not about marriage or human rights. My question is, Who is the "Jewish Political Action Committee"?

Answer 1

Ditto what Gershon said. Judaism unequivocally condemns homosexual relations, and Orthodox Jews are largely against gay marriage for that reason.

I have never heard of the group you mentioned, but it immediately made me think of Yehuda Levin, who has been very outspoken on the subject and very, very controversial in his views.

I could find no information on the organization. My guess is that it's an unregistered "PAC" (can a PAC really be a PAC if it's unregistered?) organized and/or run by him.

Answer 2

To the best of my knowledge Orthodox Jews are against gay marriage. Regarding the group in question I never heard of them.

Answer 3

Yes Judaism opposes homosexuality as is evident in the Bible. JPAC is a group that does political activities such as helping politically conservative candidates get elected. They place ads in various orthodox Jewish publications on behalf of pro moral candidates. There political activities involve behind the scenes activities that bring out thousands of orthodox Jewish voters. They worked secretly in the Turner Weprin election and encouraged many orthodox Jewish voters to come out and vote for Turner. The JPAC group also does anti gay protests in New york and Jerusalem and is not connected to Rabbi Yehuda Levin. JPAC is made up of savy street type chareidi activists who lobby through non conformist ways. You wont find them throwing a dinner to cozy up to politicians like official organizations do. But they will surprise political candidates who find a sudden support through ads and street posters.There philosophy follows that of the late Rabbi Avigdor Miller who advocated supporting pro life candidates and once elected never asking for any return favors. JPAC was active in defeating David Dinkins,Mario Cuomo and others in local races.