Oklahoma Legislator's Statement concerning the Quran

I'm still very troubled that CAIR OK, the Council of American Islamic Relations of Oklahoma, shortly after opening a chapter in Oklahoma City didn't waste any time in sending a press release to a Middle East website owned, in part, by a Muslim Brotherhood Islamic religious scholar, about an Islamic presentation to the Oklahoma School Boards Association and their offer to provide the Oklahoma public schools with Islamic materials.  The association has denied this happened.  What is going on here?

Looking at our population, Muslims make up 1-2% of our society, a very small percentage, yet they complain as if they are a much bigger entity.  Is this just a sign of things yet to come?  Or are Americans going to say ENOUGH. 

We do have a right to express our opinions about any religion or any subject.  Islam is a troubling religion and jurisprudence for many.  We must not be intimidated by being called an Islamophobic. 

The culture many Muslims come from does not allow this type of criticism of their religion and government but we are in America. 

We also have the right NOT to have Muslims preach to us. 

Statement from Faught concerning the Quran

In an e-mail sent to all of Oklahoma’s state senators and representatives by Marjan Seirafi-Pour, the chairperson of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council, we were notified that copies of the Quran decorated with the state’s centennial seal were going to be distributed to all Oklahoma state legislators.

The e-mail closed with the statement: “If you do not wish to receive a copy, please feel free to let me know.” In fact, the books have yet to be distributed.

For the council to offer an opt-out option, then imply in the media that lawmakers who declined the gift are being racially or ethnically insensitive is unfair, and seems politically charged. Many legislators, including myself, have notified Ms. Seirafi-Pour – by e-mail, as she requested – that we would like to politely decline the offer of this book.

Some lawmakers have felt the need to say they declined because of religious convictions. We are all entitled to our personal beliefs. As a Christian, I view the Holy Bible as God’s inerrant, inspired word and try every day to apply the teachings of Christ to all areas of my life.

Unfortunately, I’m concerned that some may be attempting to cast lawmakers’ personal convictions as racial or ethnic hate toward the Muslim community. I certainly don’t believe all Muslims are violent, America-hating fanatics. Many are fine individuals who make outstanding contributions to society.

The U.S. Constitution allows each of us to practice our religion of choice. By politely declining this gift, we are exercising that right. If someone doesn’t want a copy of the Quran, they should be free to not accept it without becoming a public spectacle.      By Rep. George Faught

I'm still very troubled that CAIR OK, the Council of American Islamic Relations of Oklahoma, shortly after opening a chapter in Oklahoma City didn't waste any time in sending a press release to a Middle East website owned, in part, by a Muslim Brotherhood Islamic religious scholar, about an Islamic presentation to the Oklahoma School Boards Association and their offer to provide the Oklahoma public schools with Islamic materials.  The association has denied this happened.  What is going on here?

Looking at our population, Muslims make up 1-2% of our society, a very small percentage, yet they complain as if they are a much bigger entity.  Is this just a sign of things yet to come?  Or are Americans going to say ENOUGH. 

We do have a right to express our opinions about any religion or any subject.  Islam is a troubling religion and jurisprudence for many.  We must not be intimidated by being called an Islamophobic. 

The culture many Muslims come from does not allow this type of criticism of their religion and government but we are in America. 

We also have the right NOT to have Muslims preach to us. 

Statement from Faught concerning the Quran

In an e-mail sent to all of Oklahoma’s state senators and representatives by Marjan Seirafi-Pour, the chairperson of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council, we were notified that copies of the Quran decorated with the state’s centennial seal were going to be distributed to all Oklahoma state legislators.

The e-mail closed with the statement: “If you do not wish to receive a copy, please feel free to let me know.” In fact, the books have yet to be distributed.

For the council to offer an opt-out option, then imply in the media that lawmakers who declined the gift are being racially or ethnically insensitive is unfair, and seems politically charged. Many legislators, including myself, have notified Ms. Seirafi-Pour – by e-mail, as she requested – that we would like to politely decline the offer of this book.

Some lawmakers have felt the need to say they declined because of religious convictions. We are all entitled to our personal beliefs. As a Christian, I view the Holy Bible as God’s inerrant, inspired word and try every day to apply the teachings of Christ to all areas of my life.

Unfortunately, I’m concerned that some may be attempting to cast lawmakers’ personal convictions as racial or ethnic hate toward the Muslim community. I certainly don’t believe all Muslims are violent, America-hating fanatics. Many are fine individuals who make outstanding contributions to society.

The U.S. Constitution allows each of us to practice our religion of choice. By politely declining this gift, we are exercising that right. If someone doesn’t want a copy of the Quran, they should be free to not accept it without becoming a public spectacle.      By Rep. George Faught