The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on June 14 expressed concern about the acceptance of anti-Muslim sentiment displayed by Republican presidential candidates during last night’s debate in New Hampshire. On June 13 the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections, a national coalition of major Muslim organisations, asked candidates to reject Islamophobia during the debate.
CAIR was encouraged by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s response to other candidates’ fear-mongering about Shari’ah, or Islamic principles, replacing the Constitution. Romney seemed to dismiss that scenario, and reaffirmed that “people of all faiths are welcome in this country.”
Speaking about last night’s debate, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said inter alia: “When the candidates were asked: ‘Are American-Muslims as a group less committed to the Constitution than, say, Christians or Jews?’ not one spoke up to support religious tolerance. While most remained silent, Herman Cain reiterated his position that he would treat Muslims differently than members of other faiths. Cain and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich echoed the far-right manufactured controversy about Shari’ah replacing the Constitution.
“Since the U.S. Constitution is the law of the land, there is no question of any other body of law replacing it. People who choose to have disputes resolved using the traditions of their faith should have the right to do so as long as such agreements comply with American law.
“Muslim groups are currently at the forefront in defending the Constitution against attempts by many states to pass anti-Muslim legislation that clearly violates the Bill of Rights. Our community expends enormous advocacy and legal energy defending the Constitution.”