The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on New Jersey congressional leaders to condemn the “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” attempt to undermine the constitutional rights and freedoms of millions of Americans while promoting harmful misinformation about Islam.
CAIR-NJ called on NJ representatives to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the religious freedoms of all New Jersey residents.
[NOTE: Previously, CAIR designated the “Sharia-Free America Caucus” as an anti-Muslim hate group. This is the first time in CAIR’s 32-year history that the organization has designated a congressional caucus as an extremist organization.SEE: CAIR Designates House’s ‘Sharia-Free Caucus’ an Anti-Muslim Hate Group]
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“Those who are Muslim, those who are religious Americans, must be able to freely practice their faith. The rhetoric coming from the ‘Sharia-Free America Caucus’ is baseless. It is a distraction from America’s really troubles. It is fearmongering, plain and simple.
“Sharia governs various aspects of religious life, similarly to many other religions. Christians have cannon law; the Jewish faith has halakha. This is all protected under the First Amendment. These systems are in place for their personal lives, not to impose among others.”
Maksut added: “Ironically, the only real threat of religious imposition in public life comes from far-right Evangelical Christian nationalist movements that seek to frame America as a Christian nation. This narrative is not only false, but it also runs counter to the core values of our founding principles professed by our founding fathers and is fundamentally un-American.”
He said New Jersey elected officials must stand firmly against this bigotry and reaffirm their commitment to keeping New Jersey’s religious population safe and free under the constitution.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414