Faught Says Muslim Council's Criticism 'Unfair'
State Rep. George Faught of Muskogee issued the following statement today discussing his views on the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council offering copies of the Quran to lawmakers:
“It’s important to clarify some things about the recent media coverage of state legislators declining a copy of the Quran," the Republican lawmaker said. "In an e-mail sent to all of Oklahoma’s state senators and representatives by Marjan Seirafi-Pour, the chairperson of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council, we were notified that copies of the Quran decorated with the state’s centennial seal were going to be distributed to all Oklahoma state legislators.
“The e-mail closed with the statement: ‘If you do not wish to receive a copy, please feel free to let me know.’ In fact, the books have yet to be distributed.
“For the council to offer an opt-out option and then imply in the media that lawmakers who declined the gift are being racially or ethnically insensitive is unfair, and seems politically charged. Many legislators, including myself, have notified Ms. Seirafi-Pour – by e-mail, as she requested – that we would like to politely decline the offer of this book.
“Some lawmakers have felt the need to say that they declined because of religious convictions. We are all entitled to our personal beliefs. As a Christian, I view the Holy Bible as God’s inerrant, inspired Word and try every day to apply the teachings of Christ to all areas of my life.
“Unfortunately, I’m concerned that the Advisory Council may be attempting to cast lawmakers’ personal convictions as racial or ethnic hate toward the Muslim community. I certainly don’t believe all Muslims are violent, America-hating fanatics. Many are fine individuals who make outstanding contributions to society.
“But the U.S. Constitution allows each of us to practice our religion of choice. By politely declining this gift, we are exercising that right. If someone doesn’t want a copy of the Quran, they should be free to not accept it without becoming a public spectacle.”
“It’s important to clarify some things about the recent media coverage of state legislators declining a copy of the Quran," the Republican lawmaker said. "In an e-mail sent to all of Oklahoma’s state senators and representatives by Marjan Seirafi-Pour, the chairperson of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council, we were notified that copies of the Quran decorated with the state’s centennial seal were going to be distributed to all Oklahoma state legislators.
“The e-mail closed with the statement: ‘If you do not wish to receive a copy, please feel free to let me know.’ In fact, the books have yet to be distributed.
“For the council to offer an opt-out option and then imply in the media that lawmakers who declined the gift are being racially or ethnically insensitive is unfair, and seems politically charged. Many legislators, including myself, have notified Ms. Seirafi-Pour – by e-mail, as she requested – that we would like to politely decline the offer of this book.
“Some lawmakers have felt the need to say that they declined because of religious convictions. We are all entitled to our personal beliefs. As a Christian, I view the Holy Bible as God’s inerrant, inspired Word and try every day to apply the teachings of Christ to all areas of my life.
“Unfortunately, I’m concerned that the Advisory Council may be attempting to cast lawmakers’ personal convictions as racial or ethnic hate toward the Muslim community. I certainly don’t believe all Muslims are violent, America-hating fanatics. Many are fine individuals who make outstanding contributions to society.
“But the U.S. Constitution allows each of us to practice our religion of choice. By politely declining this gift, we are exercising that right. If someone doesn’t want a copy of the Quran, they should be free to not accept it without becoming a public spectacle.”
Labels: George Faught, Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council, Quran
posted by Mike McCarville @ 4:21 PM
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