Lawmakers and advocates reject Islamophobia, stress religious freedom

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Muslim advocacy groups in the United States have called on Congress to support a resolution condemning anti-Muslim remarks made by Republican congressman Andy Ogles.

At a press conference on Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmaker Al Green said the response to the remarks shows a strong rejection of hate and Islamophobia. He stressed that allowing discrimination against one religion could lead to similar treatment of others, quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to highlight the importance of justice and equality.

Osama Jamal, secretary-general of the US Council of Muslim Organizations, said the United States is built on diversity and inclusiveness, adding that people of all religions and backgrounds should feel welcome. He warned that hate and discrimination have no place in society.

Activist Medea Benjamin from CODE Pink said her group has filed an ethics complaint over the remarks, describing them as harmful and divisive. She emphasized that unity and pluralism are key values in American society.

The resolution, introduced earlier this month by Green, condemns a March 9 social media post by Ogles, in which he claimed that Muslims do not belong in American society. The statement drew strong criticism from Muslim organisations and many Democratic lawmakers.

The proposed resolution also highlights the importance of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion, and rejects claims that Muslims are incompatible with American society.

The move comes amid growing concern over rising Islamophobic statements by some US public officials. In a separate incident, Republican lawmaker Randy Fine also faced backlash after making controversial comments about Muslims.

Source: Anadolu Agency