Islamophobia Watch: TN Congressman Says Muslim Cemetery Would Allow for "Circumvention of Laws"  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAIR Applauds RNC Chair's Call for Resignation of Anti-Muslim Official (WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/24/14) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded a call by the chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) for the resignation of a Michigan GOP official who made anti-Muslim and other bigoted remarks. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus andMichigan GOP Chairman Bobby Schostak called on Dave Agema to step down as that state's representative to the RNC. SEE: Coalition Calls on Mich. GOP to Condemn Anti-Muslim Comments by National Committeeman SEE ALSO: Federal Judge Dismisses Thomas More Law Center's 'Frivolous' Lawsuit Against CAIR-MI, Executive Director "We applaud the RNC's forceful rejection of Dave Agema's bigotry," said Corey Saylor, director of CAIR's Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia. "This response to community concerns sends the message that the GOP will not tolerate stereotyping of minority groups." Earlier today, CAIR Government Relations Manager Robert McCaw sent a letter to Priebus, which stated in part: "I am writing to ask you to publically call on Dave Agema, Michigan member of the Republican National Committee, to apologize for his recent anti-Muslim remarks. Agema's blatant indulgence in prejudice is a disservice to our national ideals. We also ask that you send a positive message to America's Muslims to reassure them that they have a place in the Republican Party's big tent. " ... Agema, who previously served as a Michigan State Representative from Grandville, has a history of introducing anti-Muslim legislation and making racist and xenophobic comments. Agema introduced anti-Islam legislation under the guise of an anti-foreign laws bill and an Arizona style immigration bill claiming that Dearborn has "sleeper cells." ... We hope that you will act swiftly to hold Agema accountable for his actions." In 2012, A coalition of 11 major American Muslim organizations called on the Republican Party to reach out to Muslim voters by rejecting anti-Islam bias and discriminatory legislation. Video: Coalition Asks GOP to Reach Out to Muslim Voters (News Conference) 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. - END -