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Oct 22 2004

A leading Muslim American coalition has issued a qualified endorsement of Senator John Kerry for the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election. In doing so, the coalition cited the Bush Administration's disregard for civil liberties in the ever-expanding "war on terror," and the administration's failed domestic and foreign policies. While recognizing differences of opinion with Sen. Kerry's position on some domestic and foreign policy issues, the group stated their willingness to "work with him" on these issues during his administration.

There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in the United States. Muslims are a potential swing-voting bloc in key battleground states such as Florida, Michigan, and Ohio.

The endorsement was issued by the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT-PAC), an umbrella organization representing the following U.S. Islamic organizations:

• American Muslim Alliance (AMA)
• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
• Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
• Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA)
• Muslim American Society (MAS)
• Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA)
• Muslim Student Association-National (MSA-N)
• Project Islamic Hope (PIH)
• United Muslims of America (UMA)

The full text of the AMT statement read:

We believe that our vote is the best guarantee of our civil rights and the best expression of our citizenship.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration has been insensitive to the civil liberties and human rights of American Muslims, Arab-Americans and South Asians. Today, American Muslims are being treated like second-class citizens.

American Muslims are also disappointed with a number of domestic and foreign policies instituted by the Bush administration since the 9/11 terror attacks.

AMT-PAC appreciates the outstanding role of Ralph Nader in highlighting the denial of civil liberties to religious and ethnic minorities.

We acknowledge the considerable outreach to our community by Sen. Kerry's campaign, particularly by his campaign co-chair Sen. Edward Kennedy. We also appreciate the ongoing dialogue with Muslim leaders about problems posed by the USA PATRIOT Act.

While the Kerry campaign has critiqued a number of Bush administration polices, it has so far failed to explicitly affirm support for due process, equal justice and other constitutional norms. We are also disappointed that his campaign has shied away from expressing unambiguous support for principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution that prohibit use of ex post facto laws, secret proceedings and secret evidence.

Because pluralism is based on partial agreements, support for Sen. Kerry is premised on our overall effort to help restore liberty and justice for all.

Mindful of disagreements with Sen. Kerry on some domestic and international issues, including the war in Iraq, we are willing to work with him to help restore due process and equal justice in accordance with the U.S. Constitution.

AMT-PAC therefore urges American Muslim voters and their allies in the struggle for civil rights to focus on the real issues: civil liberties, human rights, international peace and justice, jobs, education, health care, economic development of inner cities, and sound foreign policy. It is vital for the protection of our liberties to vote together, in high numbers, and for a common purpose.