Text of My Resolution Regarding Religious Intolerance

conyersblog.us ^ | May 23, 2005 | John Conyers, Jr.

[BigFinn]

I received a large number of comments, and quite a spirited debate, concerning my resolution opposing religious intolerance, including desecration of the Quran. I appreciate all of the comments, both those supporting and opposing my actions. I continue to believe that given recent events, it is worthwhile for the Congress to actually express its support for the freedom of religion. The resolution was drafted to oppose all religious intolerance. To the extent it mentions the Quran and Islam specifically, that is obviously to respond to those who believe our nation would tolerate disrespect of that religion or its holy book. Clearly we should not, at least in my opinion.

Anyway, below in the extended entry is the full text of H. Res. 288. I hope you agree that read in its totality, it is a fair and appropriate resolution.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning bigotry and religious intolerance, and recognizing that holy books of every religion should be treated with dignity and respect.

Whereas believers of all religions, including the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, should be treated with respect and dignity;

Whereas the word Islam comes from the Arabic root word meaning “peace” and “submission”;

Whereas there are an estimated 7,000,000 Muslims in America, from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, forming an integral part of the social fabric of America;

Whereas the Quran is the holy book for Muslims who recite passages from it in prayer and learn valuable lessons about peace, humanity and spirituality; Whereas it should never be official policy of the United States Government to disparage the Quran, Islam, or any religion in any way, shape, or form;

Whereas mistreatment of prisoners and disrespect toward the holy book of any religion is unacceptable and against civilized humanity;

Whereas the infringement of an individual’s right to freedom of religion violates the Constitution and laws of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) condemns bigotry, acts of violence, and intolerance against any religious group, including our friends, neighbors, and citizens of the Islamic faith;

(2) declares that the civil rights and civil liberties of all individuals, including those of the Islamic faith, should be protected;

(3) recognizes that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, as any other holy book of any religion, should be treated with dignity and respect; and

(4) calls upon local, State, and Federal authorities to work to prevent bias-motivated crimes and acts against all individuals, including those of the Islamic faith.

[BigFinn]

Can anybody say Dhimmi in Michigan.

[SteveMcKing]

Drama.

[highlander_UW]

Whereas the Quran is the holy book for Muslims who recite passages from it in prayer and learn valuable lessons about peace, humanity and spirituality

While he is correct that the quran is the holy book for muslims, he proves that he hasn't read it and is just buying unexamined the politically correct pablum that the quran teaches "peace, humanity and spirituality".

[Unam Sanctam]

Of course Dems feel free to ridicule Christians at any time.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

So, does this mean it's OK to bring a Bible into a public school?

snickers

[Paleo Conservative]

Whereas the first amendment prohibits this resolution.

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

[SpaceBar]

Congress and Conyers in particular take themselves way too seriously. They sound everyday more and more like the taliban. Micromanaging everything in every citizens' lives including our thoughts is the stuff of totalitarian regimes. I'll treat a koran or a bible or a rig veda any damn way I please, and don't tell me what I should or shouldn't "respect". How you treat them is your own business as well. Might be time to outsource Congress.

[kcvl]

Might be time to outsource Congress.

[SunkenCiv]

The Quran is just a medieval Mein Kampf.