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On Second Anniversary of Muslim Ban, Muslim Advocates Calls on Congress to Stand Up for Religious Freedom for All

This Sunday marks the second anniversary of President Trump’s Muslim Ban. The following is a statement from Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, denouncing anti-Muslim bigotry, praising widespread efforts to defend religious freedom and calling on Congress to take immediate action to end this shameful policy:

Two years ago, President Trump enacted the bigoted Muslim Ban and launched an opening salvo on the foundational American ideal of religious freedom.  Despite the persistent bigotry from this administration, we have remained undeterred in our commitment to fighting for religious freedom for all. From day one, Muslim Advocates has been on the front lines, fighting the hateful Muslim Ban at every turn.

It is hard to convey just how much pain the Ban has inflicted, not only on American Muslims, but on Americans of all creeds and religions. Countless families have been separated—even in the face of sickness, the birth of children and despite the fact that all the needed paperwork was filed before the policy went into effect.

In the face of this open bigotry, I’m proud of Muslim Advocates and the throngs of people who have fought this policy in the courts, at airports and in the arena of public opinion. Now, it is time for Congress to step up and do its part to end the Ban.

Though the Supreme Court has shamefully upheld it, Congress has the power to abolish the Muslim Ban and relegate it to the darkest chapters of our history books, alongside the Dred Scott and Korematsu decisions. I implore all Americans to contact their members of Congress right away and tell them to reject hate and discrimination by ending the Muslim Ban today.