Conyers, Hansen call for government opposition to anti-Muslim sentiment

Detroit Congressmen John Conyers and Hansen Clark, both Democrats, have asked Congress to counter a general climate of bias against the American Muslim community by passing a resolution affirming the civil rights of Muslims.

“We believe that this sense of Congress is a logical step toward sending the message that the American Muslim community should be able to enjoy the rights guaranteed under the Constitution to the same extent as all other Americans,” said Conyers and Clarke.

“Communities should be protected from the threat of violence and suspicion that, for example, 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 Amendments protected rights.”

“Ultimately, 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. 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 month the Department of Homeland Security announced it was opening an investigation into reports that federal agents have improperly detained and harassed Muslims at U.S.-Canada border crossings in Michigan.

The Council of American-Islamic Relations told the Detroit Free Press that Muslim Americans are questioned about their religious practices, subjected to humiliating searches, and kept in jail cells by border patrol agents for no legitimate reason.