Just before the confirmation hearings for Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) are set to begin, Muslim Advocates led a coalition of 37 civil rights, advocacy, civic, and faith groups in a letter to the Senate Judiciary expressing concern about Senator Sessions’ qualification and ability to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General. Organizations in the coalition include People for the American Way, Color of Change, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Council of La Raza, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, National LGBTQ Taskforce Action Fund, and National Council of Asian Pacific Americans.

The letter in part states: “The Attorney General is charged with ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. Throughout his public life, Senator Sessions has opposed the enforcement of civil rights laws and taken anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ positions. Among many other concerns, he recently expressed anti-Muslim views and defended the President-Elect’s call for a ban on Muslim immigration into the United States.”

“Sessions’ confirmation as Attorney General would threaten the civil rights of all Americans,” said Madihha Ahussain, Muslim Advocates Staff Attorney and Lead for the Program to Counter Anti-Muslim Hate. “Our nation must have an Attorney General who can remain unbiased and ensure justice for all Americans. Given Senator Sessions’ 30-year track record of opposing civil rights for a myriad of communities, and his acceptance of awards from two anti-Muslim hate groups, we are not confident in his ability to serve in this critical position.”

The letter highlights two hate groups that Senator Sessions has strong ties with, the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC) and the Center for Security Policy (CSP).  The founder of DHFC, David Horowitz, is a leading anti-Muslim voice in the country and Frank Gaffney, who runs CSP, has played a critical role promoting a dangerous and false narrative regarding the threat posed by the American Muslim community. As just one example, Mr. Gaffney infamously accused Muslim employees of the federal government of acting as agents of the Muslim Brotherhood.

To read the entire letter, click here.