The legislative session has ended, but wrangling over a gay-rights bill hasn't.

Yesterday, representatives from about 15 local Jewish temples and groups announced that they have formed a campaign to urge legislators in three key districts to back House Bill 1515 next year. The bill, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, failed by one vote in the Senate.

Yesterday's announcement came a month after a local conservative Christian pastor claimed that Microsoft had changed its traditional support of the bill to neutral this year after the pastor threatened a nationwide boycott of Microsoft products. The software company insisted its position had nothing to do with the pastor and has since said it would support the bill next year.

"We want to make clear to all Americans that people of faith do support justice and equality for all," Rabbi Jonathan Singer, of Seattle's Temple Beth Am, said at a news conference.

Speakers yesterday emphasized that Jews had experienced similar discrimination for decades. "1515 for Jews is personal," said Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman of Temple Beth Or in Everett.

Staff members and volunteers with the organizations plan to target three Eastside senators who voted against the bill this year: Luke Esser, R-Bellevue; Bill Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland; and Dave Schmidt, R-Mill Creek.

Other participating organizations include the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, the Pacific Northwest region of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee and several Reform and Conservative congregations. Orthodox Jews were absent from the coalition.

Participants acknowledged that views on homosexuality and the anti-discrimination bill differ within the Jewish community, but they contended the vast majority of the approximately 40,000 Jews in the Puget Sound area support the bill.

In general, Orthodox Judaism regards homosexual activity as prohibited. Within Conservative Judaism, there is much debate on issues surrounding homosexuality, including whether to ordain openly gay and lesbian Jews. However, the movement supports anti-discrimination efforts for gays and lesbians. Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism accept openly gay and lesbian rabbis and say gay couples have a right to marry.

Janet I. Tu: 206-464-2272 or jtu@seattletimes.com