Shura Council Statement on Foreign Affairs Committee Vote

 

The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California echoes the collective voice of its community members and organizations in expressing objection to the vote on Thursday, Feb 2nd, in the US House of Representatives to remove congresswoman Ilhan Omar from her position on the House Foreign Affairs committee.

Representative Omar contributed positively to the work of the committee, challenging the status quo, and bringing new perspectives to important discussions. This is something many American Muslims appreciated in our government’s work and forging of policies.

As a politician serving her direct constituents, Rep Omar may say and do things that do not always align with the religious viewpoints of leaders and members of the American Muslim faith community. Nonetheless, we believe she, and any person in such a position, should be treated fairly and not be discriminated against due to their faith or race, or their immigrant background. We object to the targeting of Rep. Omar by members of Congress and intolerant voices in our society, whether driven by domestic Islamophobia or by influence from foreign lobbying, and their interference in determining which representatives should serve on any committee…