Pakistani and Muslim community leaders have said the Tea Party is promoting discrimination, hatred and bigotry against immigrants, particularly Muslims and Pakistanis. They also warn that anti-mosque sentiments are gaining acceptance because of the Tea Party's rhetoric.
"Anti- mosque sentiment is on the rise in the country because of the Tea Party Movement's rhetoric," said Habib Ahmad, chairman of the Islamic Center of Long Island, at a joint press conference on July 16, held outside Nassau County Supreme Court building. Other community leaders who addressed the reporters included Ali Akbar Mirza, vice chairman of the Nassau County Democratic Party; Richard Potts, of Interfaith Alliance; community activist Mammy P. Johnson; and Khalid Mehmood, of Americans of Pakistani Heritage.
Habib Ahmad noted that people were becoming less tolerant towards religious freedom because of the Tea Party's actions and pointed to a recent incident where two women wearing Hijabs became victims of hate crime in Long Island. The trend, he said, was threatening rich traditions of social integration and tolerance in America.
The community leaders said they were proud Americans who emigrated to the United States in search of freedom, justice and opportunity. "The U.S., which realized our dreams by giving us freedom and opportunity, also has a history of hatred and discrimination," said Ali Akber Mirza. He noted that every community, especially the Jews, faced brute discrimination in the past.
Many Muslim community leaders, including those at last week's press conference, complain that there has been unprecedented spike in bigotry and discrimination against Pakistanis and Muslims since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They agree that Tea Party actions are fueling this sentiment. "Unfortunately some elected officials are also part of this movement of spreading bigotry," said Mirza, without naming names. Other leaders commented on the pluralistic nature of this society and considered that each community has its own importance and weight. Anyone who targets a particular community group because of its ethnicity or faith, they said, is violating the U.S. Constitution and trampling on American values and traditions. "We have gathered here today to condemn all these attitudes," Mirza said. Mammy P. Johnson added that we should not forget the historic role immigrants play in the progress in America.
Richard Potts likened the discrimination experienced by Muslims to the Jewish and Irish experience in the past. He emphasized that there is no room for discriminatory practices under U.S. law and the Constitution. He termed the rising bigotry as extremism that is tarnishing America's image.
Immigration also figured at the press conference where the community leaders demanded a just and comprehensive reform that would legalize the status of undocumented immigrants.
