Groups Take Concerns About Legislator’s Anti-Muslim Comments to State GOP Headquarters
Faith and diversity groups on Wednesday said a state lawmaker’s anti-Muslim comments are an effort to incite violence toward those who follow Islam.
At a meeting Monday in Sallisaw, Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, told constituents that “Islam is a cancer on the nation that needs to be cut out.” He previously posted a comment on his Facebook page telling viewers to be wary of those who call themselves Muslim-Americans.
The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations had called on Bennett to apologize and GOP leaders to repudiate the remarks. Bennett stood by his words, and Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Dave Weston supported Bennett.