(ATLANTA, GA, 10/26/18) — The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) today called on the state’s Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp to disavow anti-Muslim bigotry, meet with Georgia Muslim leaders and to apologize for taking a photograph with a notorious anti-Muslim extremist who has previously called for violence against Muslims and African-Americans.
In an undated photograph taken during a campaign event, Secretary Kemp can be seen flashing a thumbs-up and smiling as he embraces James Stachowiak, who was wearing a T-shirt that read “Allah is not God, and Muhammad is not His Prophet.”
[NOTE: “Allah” is the Arabic word for God, and Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad to be the last in a line of prophets that also included Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, among others (may peace and peace of prayers be upon them].
Stachowiak has previously called for Muslims to be killed, threatened to shoot Black Lives Matter activists, as well as “women and children” who “loot” during protests against police brutality, and trespassed upon a Georgia mosque to destroy a copy of the Quran while armed with a weapon.
He also held an armed protest against Islam outside the Georgia State Capitol in 2016, leading local law enforcement to issue a warning to Capitol staff.
SEE: CAIR-Georgia Calls for Probe of Threats by Armed Anti-Muslim Extremist Outside Mosque
James Stachowiak on Black Lives Matter (2:30)
“Secretary Kemp should apologize for embracing a bigot who has defamed, harassed and threatened Georgia Muslims, as well as other communities,” said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of CAIR-Georgia. “Mr. Kemp should clearly renounce this extremist’s support, and just as strongly denounce anti-Muslim bigotry.”
CAIR-Georgia also invited Kemp to visit a mosque and meet with Georgia Muslim leaders to learn about the dangers of Islamophobia, as well the history and values of American Muslims.
“We invite Secretary Kemp to meet with us so that he can directly apologize for this incident, learn about Georgia Muslims, and build bridges of understanding with all Georgians,” said Mitchell.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Georgia Chapter, 404-285-9530, [email protected]