Coalition of Religious Groups Rejects Anti-Terrorism Bill

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct 23, 01 (CWNews.com) - A coalition of Muslim and Christian groups have issued a joint statement arguing that the anti-terrorism bill before Congress endangers the civil liberties of immigrants and citizens by giving too much authority to federal law enforcement agencies.

The coalition includes the American Muslim Council, the National Council of Churches of Christ, the American Baptist Churches in the USA, Friends Committee on National Legislation, and the Presbyterian Church (USA), among others. The US Catholic bishops' conference is not currently a member of the group. The statement said the groups feared the new legislation would violate free speech and due process rights.

"The goal of our national security should be defending our freedom, not limiting it," the statement said.

Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, which also endorsed the statement, said Monday he feared new powers for federal agents would spark a "witch hunt."

The bill, currently in final House-Senate negotiations, would impose stronger penalties on those who harbor or finance terrorists, increase punishment for terrorists, and expand the FBI's wiretapping authority. The new powers for federal agents would expire in four years.

Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
23. oktober 2001