State Representative John Bennett says be ‘wary’ of ‘Muslim Americans,’ falsely claims Quran says non-Muslims ‘should be killed’
(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 9/3/14) – – The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today called on state Republican Party leaders to repudiate remarks by Representative John Bennett calling on Oklahoman’s to be “wary” of “Muslim Americans” and falsely claiming that the Quran says non-Muslims “should be killed.”
In his post, Bennett stated in part: “The Quran clearly states that non Muslims should be killed. . .Be wary of the individuals who claim to be ‘Muslim American’. Be especially wary if you’re a Christian.”
SEE: Representative John Bennett’s Anti-Muslim Facebook Post
http://www.cair.com/images/islamophobia/Rep-John-Bennett-FB-post.jpg
Rep. Bennett posted these comments publicly to his Facebook page two days prior to his scheduled appearance at an anti-Islam event organized by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association.
SEE: OK2A Bringing Lawmaker to Speak on Terrorism
http://www.sapulpaheraldonline.com/articles/2014/08/30/news/doc5401fa16d0ff0723408922.txt
CAIR called on Republican Party leaders to denounce the anti-Muslim comments and asked for an apology from Bennett.
“Anti-Muslim bigotry and statements that promote misunderstanding and incite hatred toward a minority group have no place in the Oklahoma Republican Party,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “Individuals elected to represent the people of Oklahoma should be held accountable for such extremist, inaccurate and intolerant views.”
Soltani noted that Islam teaches that killing one person is like killing all of humanity. (The Quran, 5:32)
Other verses from the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, state:
“Verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians – all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds – shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.” (2:62)
“Say: ‘We believe in God, and in that which has been bestowed from on high upon us, and that which has been bestowed upon Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and that which has been vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus; and that which has been vouchsafed to all the [other] prophets by their Sustainer: we make no distinction between any of them. And it is unto Him that we surrender ourselves.’” (2:136)
“O humankind! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.” (49:13)
CAIR-OK previously protested a training for law enforcement at the Oklahoma state capitol featuring Anti-Muslim trainers and hosted by Rep. Bennett’s Counterterrorism Caucus.
SEE: Oklahoma Islamic group says seminar speakers are anti-Muslim
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/oklahoma-islamic-group-says-seminar-speakers-are-anti-muslim/article_a3f209d9-14bb-54d2-9951-759adf2e8bcb.html
In a case similar to that of Bennett’s, Anti-Islamic posts on an Wisconsin alderwoman’s Facebook page prompted a rebuke from city officials.
WI: Anti-Islamic Posts on Official’s Facebook Page Bring Rebuke
http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2014/09/02/anti-islamic-posts-officials-facebook-page-bring-rebuke/14991117/
In South Carolina, state Rep. Alan Clemmons’ claimed in a Facebook post that he has “proved” that worldwide domination is a mainstream Muslim goal.
S.C.Rep Alan Clemmons of Myrtle Beach: I Proved Worldwide Domination is a Mainstream Muslim Goal
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/09/02/4447158_screp-alan-clemmons-of-myrtle.html‒
CAIR-Oklahoma is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialog, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Follow CAIR-Oklahoma on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/cairoklahoma
Like CAIR-Oklahoma on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/cairoklahoma
Visit CAIR-Oklahoma on the web:
www.cairoklahoma.com
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Board Chair Saad Mohammed, 405-210-4775, smohammed@cair.com