FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR: Indiana Lawmakers Asked Not to Consider Anti-Islam Bill
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/4/11) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights
and advocacy organization said today that it is calling on Indiana state
legislators not to consider what it terms a "fear-mongering" anti-Islam bill
when the lawmakers reconvene in Indianapolis tomorrow.
In a joint letter mailed recently to all members of the Indiana General
Assembly, the Washington, D.C., and Chicago offices of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) wrote in part:
"As the General Assembly reconvenes for the coming year, we would like
to reach out to you regarding a bill that Representative Bruce Borders has
indicated he intends to introduce in the House of Representatives.
Representative Borders's bill is un-American to its core. The bill will divide
Indiana residents rather than unite them. It will communicate to the nation and
the world that Indiana unconstitutionally deprives religious minorities of the
freedom to practice their faith. We are seeking your commitment not to allow
Representative Borders's bill to be considered by the House.
SEE: Sharia Law Not an Issue in Indiana -- Or Any Other States
"Representative Borders plans on introducing a bill proclaiming that
'Indiana does not recognize Sharia law.' He believes this action is justified
because 'there is a push in some states to recognize Sharia law with its own
court system.' However, Mr. Borders is wrong to think that Muslims are seeking
to impose 'Sharia Law' over and above state and federal law.
"What Representative Borders ominously calls 'Sharia Law' is nothing
more than the religious traditions that Muslims use to guide the practice of
their faith. Much like other faiths, these religious traditions inform
individuals in everyday decisions involving marriage, business transactions and
estate planning. Muslims are not seeking to impose their religious traditions
onto the government. As a recent editorial from the Tribune-Star in Terre Haute
made clear, such fears are 'not even worthy of backburner status' during the
General Assembly's upcoming session.
"Representative Borders's proposed legislation attacks Indiana's Muslim
community by treating Islam's religious traditions differently than those from
other faiths. From probating wills to enforcing contracts, government agencies
and courts often consider religion in their decisions. Treating Muslims
differently is manifestly unconstitutional."
CAIR's letter noted that a federal judge recently granted an injunction
that barred certification of a similar anti-Islam state ballot measure passed
in Oklahoma.
SEE: Judge Rules in Favor of Muslim Man on State Question 755
The letter to Indiana lawmakers stated: "It is our hope that you will
have similar foresight and refuse to indulge in the fear-mongering that
Representative Borders's bill embodies."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage
dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build
coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -
CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166,
E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham,
312-212-1520, 847-971-7989: E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR Staff Attorney
Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National
Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, or 202-488-8787, E-Mail:
[email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787,
202-341-4171, E-Mail: [email protected]
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