Christian Aid - To Preach or Not to Preach (Time)
Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American Islamic Relations says the two groups are "seeking to exploit people in their moment of vulnerability."
CAIR: Five American Men Allege Torture in Pakistan (NPR)
Host Michel Martin speaks with Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations, about the latest developments.
CAIR-MI: Delays in Imam's Shooting Case Feed Suspicions (Free Press)
CAIR attorney Lena Masri said the county appears to be improperly withholding photos from the death scene.
CAIR: American Muslim Groups Condemn Call for Jihad Against U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: Muslim Congressman Called 'N**ger' by Tea Party Protesters
Muslim civil rights group asks GOP leaders to repudiate racist taunts

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/21/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Republican leaders to repudiate racist taunts by tea party opponents ofhealth care reform targeting a Muslim congressman and another African-American lawmaker on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
Subscribe to CAIR's E-Mail List

Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), one of two Muslims in Congress, reported that protesters chanted "the N-word, the N-word, 15 times" as he left the Cannon House Office Buildingwith Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a leader of the civil rights movement. Protesters also spat on and shouted bigoted slurs at other lawmakers.

SEE: Raucous, Ugly Buildup to House Health Care Vote (AP)
Black Members: Tea Partiers Used N-Word

"Vigorous debate on issues of importance to our nation is essential, but racist abuse like that used by the tea party protesters must be repudiated by all responsible leaders, no matter their political party," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We call on all those Republican leaders who addressed the protesters to take a public stand against such racist tactics."

He said our nation must not let a vocal and bigoted minority "turn back the clock" on the Civil Rights Movement.

[UPDATE: Today, Michael Steele, the Republican National Committee's first African-American chairman, called the incidents "reprehensible."]

Awad noted that CAIR recently expressed concern about the reported rise in the number of anti-government and anti-immigrant extremist groups during the past year.

SEE: CAIR Concerned About Reported Rise in Militias, 'Patriot' Groups

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.