Muslim Advocates' Farhana Khera Testifies About Rising Anti-Muslim Hate at First-Ever Congressional Hearing on the Civil Rights of American Muslims

Washington, DC--March 29, Muslim Advocates executive director Farhana Khera appeared before Congress today to testify about the increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric in this country, and it's dire consequences. "Anti-Muslim bigotry has been simmering and growing since the tragic events of September 11th, a terrorist attack that was an attack on all Americans, Muslims included," said Farhana Khera during the hearing, titled "Protecting the Civil Rights of American Muslims." "But in the last several months, anti-Muslim rhetoric has reached a disturbing new level. Prominent religious, military and even political leaders have joined the fray, feeding fear and hysteria, with some going so far as to say Islam is a cult, not a religion."

The growing negative sentiment towards American Muslims has crept into the national mainstream, creating hostile work environments, harassment and bullying of children at schools, opposition to mosque construction projects, and even threatening lives through an increased number of hate crimes directed at Muslims or those perceived as Muslims.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) chaired the hearing held by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. The hearing was assembled in response to the rising anti-Muslim bigotry and hate activities throughout the nation, including Quran burnings, restrictions on mosque construction, hate crimes, and harassment and discrimination targeting the Muslim, Arab, Sikh and South Asian American communities. Featuring a panel of experts on religious freedom and civil rights, the witnesses also included Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez, Fmr. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Alex Acosta and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Farhana Khera's oral testimony can be viewed here.

Muslim Advocates' full written testimony can be viewed here.