[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE 
                 STEPS TO COUNTER ANTI-MUSLIM SENTIMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution 
expressing the sense of Congress that the federal government should 
take steps to counter anti-Muslim sentiment, along with additional 
cosponsors. Over the last decade, the American Muslim community has 
confronted a festering level of suspicion which has manifested itself 
in hostile government policies and bias from the general public. A CBS/
New York Times poll released in mid-September showed that as many as 20 
percent of Americans said they have negative feelings toward Muslims 
because of the September 11th terrorist attacks. While Congress has 
confronted some of the more violent manifestations of this bias, the 
general climate faced by the community has continued to create barriers 
to full participation in public life that should be addressed by 
official government policy.
  As a member who represents a district with on of the greatest 
concentrations of American Muslims in the nation, I believe that this 
sense of Congress is a logical step toward sending the message that 
this group of proud citizens should be able to enjoy the rights 
guaranteed under the Constitution to the same extent as all other 
Americans. Throughout diverse cities and small towns across the 
country, American Muslims have a long history of playing crucial roles 
in law enforcement and the armed forces, and as business leaders, 
doctors, lawyers, and teachers. However, there exists in our nation 
today a disturbing and dangerous trend of anti-Muslim rhetoric and 
bigotry, evidenced by attacks against individuals, religious 
institutions and entire communities.
  The United States is a country founded on the principles of tolerance 
and religious freedom, as embodied in the First Amendment of the 
Constitution. The protection of these principles is vital to the 
ongoing sense of community shared by the diverse peoples and religious 
groups of this nation. Targeting American Muslims for scrutiny based on 
their religion goes against the core principles of religious freedom 
and equal protection under the law. Moreover, the practice erodes trust 
in government and law enforcement at all levels, which, in turn, 
undermines public safety.
  The American Muslim community should be able to rely on the federal 
government to lead the effort in fostering an open climate of 
understanding and cooperation. These communities must be shielded from 
the threat of violence and suspicion that was at the heart of last 
January's thwarted attack against the Islamic Center of America in 
Dearborn, Michigan. They should also be able to rely on law 
enforcement's fundamental integrity and respect for First Amendment 
protected rights. Only through a balanced examination of the challenges 
facing the nation will we establish a strong policy framework for 
protecting security, while respecting the Constitution and the 
interests of affected communities.
  This sense of Congress is an attempt to set the record straight and 
counter the perception of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric. Congress has a 
solemn duty to ensure that its actions do not fuel misconceptions 
about, and prejudices toward, any faith community, including the 
American Muslim community and Islam. Scores of religious, civil rights, 
law enforcement, and national security leaders and organizations 
representing diverse Americans and areas of expertise are concerned 
about messages which appear to target the American Muslim community, 
sending counterproductive messages both domestically and 
internationally. It is essential that the federal government send the 
message that we all must work together to guarantee the security of our 
country and that no community should be singled out for suspicion.

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