To: Sen. Josh McKoon
Tell Sen. McKoon to support religious freedom, not discrimination
Sen. Josh McKoon -- who has introduced several anti-LGBT bills in the name of so-called “religious freedom” -- has been notably silent as Muslims in Kennesaw are being denied their right to practice their religion. Tell Sen. McKoon to stop supporting discrimination and speak up for freedom of religion for Georgians of all faiths -- not just his faith.
Why is this important?
The city council of Kennesaw has rejected a request from a neighborhood Islamic group for the right to rent a local retail space for worship service. McKoon’s silence on this issue speaks volumes about the true intentions of his so-called “religious freedom” bill, which is really designed to promote discrimination.
"Religious pluralism is one of the foundation stones of this country,” McKoon says. “Sending a message that people of every faith are welcome in this state, and don't have to worry about government trampling their right to free exercise, is something we should want to champion.”
Despite being a clear case of local government trampling on one group’s freedom to express their religion, the council’s decision was celebrated by opponents of the mosque, including protestors. Demonstrators held signs that read “Ban Islam” and “Islam wants no peace!” One resident addressed the Muslim group in a public meeting by saying, “We’re scared of you!”
Now, Sen. McKoon has the chance to add his voice to this fight, but, so far, hasn’t said a word.
The council silently denied the community’s request in a 4-1 vote, claiming they don’t allow religious organizations to rent retail space; however, as recently as July 2014, the council unanimously approved the use of a large retail space by a Pentecostal church.
Only one council member, Cris Eaton-Welsh, voted in favor of the motion.
“This is 100 percent, bar none, a First Amendment issue,” says Eaton-Welsh, who describes herself as “politically conservative” Catholic. “They have the right to assemble. I don’t understand their religion, but they have the right to do this.”
This is clearly a case of religious discrimination.
Tell McKoon to take a stand for the Islamic community in Kennesaw by publicly supporting religious expression for Georgians of all faiths.
"Religious pluralism is one of the foundation stones of this country,” McKoon says. “Sending a message that people of every faith are welcome in this state, and don't have to worry about government trampling their right to free exercise, is something we should want to champion.”
Despite being a clear case of local government trampling on one group’s freedom to express their religion, the council’s decision was celebrated by opponents of the mosque, including protestors. Demonstrators held signs that read “Ban Islam” and “Islam wants no peace!” One resident addressed the Muslim group in a public meeting by saying, “We’re scared of you!”
Now, Sen. McKoon has the chance to add his voice to this fight, but, so far, hasn’t said a word.
The council silently denied the community’s request in a 4-1 vote, claiming they don’t allow religious organizations to rent retail space; however, as recently as July 2014, the council unanimously approved the use of a large retail space by a Pentecostal church.
Only one council member, Cris Eaton-Welsh, voted in favor of the motion.
“This is 100 percent, bar none, a First Amendment issue,” says Eaton-Welsh, who describes herself as “politically conservative” Catholic. “They have the right to assemble. I don’t understand their religion, but they have the right to do this.”
This is clearly a case of religious discrimination.
Tell McKoon to take a stand for the Islamic community in Kennesaw by publicly supporting religious expression for Georgians of all faiths.