Action Alert: Thank Sen. Durbin for Supporting Religious Freedoms

Thank Sen. Durbin for Supporting Religious Freedoms CAIR-Chicago is asking the Illinois Muslim community and all Illinois citizens to thank Ill. Senator Dick Durbin for taking a bold and uncompromising stance supporting the core principles of this country.

Yesterday, Senator Durbin issued a statement in support of Park51, the proposed mosque in lower Manhattan. Durbin said that politicians like Palin and Gingrich who are opposed to the mosque are trying to divide the country with fear and hate.

"It is refreshing and reassuring to see that there are still elected officials out there who are not swayed by popular hysterics and that still believe and abide by the very values that make this country great," said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. "Sen. Durbin is showing true leadership during these troubling times and history will not forget it."

Please thank Sen. Durbin by writing him a message HERE or by calling his Chicago office at (312) 353-4952.

More of Sen. Durbin's Statement:

"The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, has given his assent to this center and I support his decision. The politicians like Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin who try to divide America with fear and hate over this issue betray the diversity which makes our nation great and the Constitution which they profess to honor."

They have also forgotten one of the most fundamental American and constitutional values: our freedom to practice our religion. As President Obama has said, 'Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country and that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,' " said Senator Durbin.

He also praised former President Bush for his stance on Muslims and their faith following the 9/11 attacks.

"I had my differences with President George W. Bush, but I believe he showed real leadership after 9/11, when, in the agony and anger that followed, he made it clear that our war was with the terrorists who perverted the teachings of Islam, not with Muslims who were faithful to what he called 'a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others,' " he said. "Those who seek to exploit the location of an Islamic center in New York have forgotten the words of President Bush."

Please thank Sen. Durbin by writing him a message HERE or by calling his Chicago office at (312) 353-4952.