Contact: Jeff Field, Director of Communications, Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, 212-371-3191, cl@catholicleague.org

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's duplicity in handling the 9/11 memorial ceremonies scheduled for Sunday:

Last week, Mayor Bloomberg signed into law [click here] the "Workplace Religious Freedom Act," a bill designed to award new rights to Sikhs and Muslims. But when it comes to showing sensitivity to Catholics, the mayor shows nothing but contempt.

Until Bloomberg signed the law, employers were required to make "reasonable accommodations" for the religious observances of their employees, a condition that could be overridden if the exceptions imposed minimal difficulties in the workplace, or added expenses. The new law raises the bar, mandating that employers prove that such accommodations would constitute a "significant difficulty or expense."

What prompted the new law was pressure from Sikh and Muslim workers employed by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA): they are required, like everyone else, to display an MTA logo on their headgear, which in their case means it must be shown on their religious headwear. Also, Sikhs complained that they cannot work for the New York Police Department unless they remove their turbans. The new law now makes it easier for Sikhs and Muslims to sue the City of New York, claiming religious discrimination.

What is astounding about all of this is the blatant disparity in treatment: when it comes to Catholics -- who comprised the vast majority of First Responders -- they are told they have no place at the 9/11 memorial ceremonies. And when it comes to priests, as well as the clergy of all faiths, they are also told to take a hike.

We have one request, Mr. Mayor: start treating Catholics the way you do Sikhs and Muslims. That means repealing the 9/11 gag rule.

Contact Bloomberg's Press Secretary, Stu Loeser: sloeser@cityhall.nyc.gov