Does the House Need to Condemn Anti-Muslim Sentiment? (H. Res. 569)

What is H. Res. 569?

(Updated May 24, 2019)

This resolution seeks to demonstrate that the House of Representatives opposes anti-Muslim violence, bigotry, and rhetoric. The House expresses its condolences to the victims of anti-Muslim hate crimes and its opposition to the increase in crimes against mosques, Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim.

It also recognizes the contributions of Muslims to American society, calls for their civil rights and liberties to be protected as all citizens should be, and urges local and federal law enforcement to work to prevent and prosecute hate crimes.

As a simple resolution, if this legislation were to pass the House it wouldn’t have the force of law and wouldn’t advance to the Senate.

Argument in favor

It may be a simple gesture, but the House should condemn anti-Muslim sentiment. Speaking out against hate crimes and speech affirm American Muslim rights.

Argument opposed

This is ridiculous piece of legislation — the law already protects freedom of religion. Congress should spend their time debating bills with actual substance.

Impact

Victims of anti-Muslim violence, bigotry, and rhetoric; their families; federal and local law enforcement; and the House of Representatives.

Cost of H. Res. 569

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced this legislation to show that those who express anti-Muslim sentiment are not typical of Americans and don’t reflect the country’s values:

“We must show that we will not tolerate this anti-Muslim discrimination and that those who propagate it do not represent the melting-pot America that we celebrate. These harmful words eventually lead to the very acts of violence many came to our country to escape in the first place. It’s time Congress stood up to condemn these attacks which run contrary to American values.”

This resolution has the support of 82 cosponsors in the House — all of whom are Democrats.

Of Note: According to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) there had been 29 incidents of damage, destruction or vandalism at mosques in 2015 as of December 16. Of these incidents, 15 occurred between the November 13 attacks in Paris and the date of the report’s publication.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) Press Release
• CBS Minnesota
• Washington Times
• CAIR (In Favor)