The Interfaith Center of New York extends our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of terrorism in Nice, France.
We hope this tragedy will not be compounded by the pronouncements of unscrupulous politicians to scapegoat an entire religious tradition. Newt Gingrich’s recent call for the deportation of Muslims who support the Sharia displays a lack of understanding about both Islam and the United States Constitution. Like Jewish law “Halacha” that includes dietary rules, and laws governing hygiene, marriage and divorce, the Sharia is also for most Muslims primarily concerned with these issues. In addition, calling for a religious test of any sort runs against the Constitutional principles within the Establishment and Free Exercise Clause. For more on the history of the struggles for religious freedom in the US see Prepare NY video “A More Perfect Union“.
