Press Release

Moran Statement on Rep. Goode Anti-Muslim Constituent Letter

Washington, D.C., December 21st -- Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement regarding Congressman Virgil Goode’s (VA-05) anti-Muslim constituent letter which cited illegal immigration as the reason for the election of the first Muslim-American to Congress.

“The seven million Muslim-Americans living in the U.S. are an integral part of American society.  Our country is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs.  This diversity is a strength, not a weakness. 

“Congressman-elect Keith Ellison (MN-05), born and raised in the American heartland, will prove himself a strong advocate for his constituents and his country.  It is past time that we had a Muslim-American Member of Congress.  The Founding Fathers never intended religion to be a barrier to federal representation.  Bringing more Muslim-Americans into the political process is a goal, not something to be avoided.

“Mr. Goode’s constituent letter contains a number of fallacies, not the least of which is his description of the swearing-in process.  No book of religious belief is required at the ceremonial swearing-in.  Rather, it is up to the individual Member to decide what, if any religious text he or she would like to use. 

“As a Muslim American, it is entirely appropriate for Congressman-elect Ellison to use the Koran for his ceremonial swearing-in.  And because of the religious tolerance that our Founding Fathers drafted into the Constitution, Mr. Goode has every right to continue, as many Members do, to use the Bible.”

--30--

Site Tools | Privacy Policy | This is an official Website of the United States House of Representatives