Task Force Joins Calls for Federal Investigation in Chapel Hill Tragedy

Calls for end to racism and for respect of religious diversity

WASHINGTON, DC, February 20, 2015 — In the light of the recent murders of Muslim students and continued and escalating violence against Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians taking place in the U.S., the National LGBTQ Task Force is calling for respect of religious diversity, a heightened awareness of the peaceful vision of spiritual diversity, and an end to racism.

“People of faith across our nation and the world are appalled when religion is used as an excuse to do wrong and to murder people — often based on fears and misconceptions. We mourn the killings of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha — the Muslim students murdered in North Carolina. We denounce all crimes based on perceived faith, gender identity and expression, race and sexual orientation.  We denounce the senseless attacks on Muslim places of worship around the country that have escalated in recent weeks. The explosive mixture of intolerance, injustice and racism can have deadly consequences. As a nation, we must do more to appreciate that spiritual diversity is an asset for all and that this form of hatred, fear-mongering and violence is an affront to our national values,” said Rev. Rodney McKenzie, Jr., Faith Work Director, National LGBTQ Task Force.

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Media Contacts:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
(Office) 202.639.6306
(Cell) 213.842.7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org