Mammele – If it turns out the law was not broken (and I happen to agree with you that it was not), then you are correct that there is no reason why the policy should not continue.
From Title 8:
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply, with respect to age or gender, to places or providers of public accommodation where the commission grants an exemption based on bona fide considerations of public policy
What I’m concerned with is that the law is ignored because of the “institutional political clout”. And you hit it on the head with to whom the politicians feel more beholden. My hope is that either way, this goes before a judge so that the law decides, not some politician looking for a bloc vote.
Finally, the very real argument is that we as Yeraim do have the ability to join all of these activities, including public schools. The fact that we don’t is our own choice, so we can’t say that those services are not “ours” just because we happen not to use them. That being said, there is something wrong when certain programs are geared (or end up being used) by a small section of the population, especially if there is a religious component which would otherwise not be allowed (see Christie’s “Grant” to BMG which was rightfully blocked by a judge).