Not all Republicans want Muslims out of the US
US Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s proposed ban of immigrants and visitors into the US was condemned by House Speaker Paul Ryan at a lobby for the Republican National Committee on Tuesday.
He said: “What was proposed yesterday is not what this party stands for and more importantly, it’s not what this country stands for. Not only are there many Muslims serving in our armed forces, dying for this country, there are Muslims serving right here in the House working every day to uphold and defend the constitution.”
Paul Ryan went on to say: “Some of our best and biggest allies in this struggle and fight against radical Islamic terror are Muslims, the vast, vast, vast majority of whom are peaceful, who believe in pluralism and freedom, democracy and individual rights.”
Trump’s comments came in response to a mass shooting and attempted bombing by a husband and wife in San Bernardino, California on 2nd December.
14 people were killed and more than 20 were injured when the couple targeted a training event and holiday party, opening fire on about 80 employees in a rented banquet room. The FBI believes the couple was radicalized by al Qaeda. American-born Syed Rizwan Farook was of Pakistani descent and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, entered the US on a fiancée visa.
A reporter at the lobby asked if Ryan would support Trump if he became the Republican nominee for president. He replied: “I’m going to support whoever the Republican nominee is…and I’m going to stand up for what I believe in as I do that.”
Celebrities have been vocal about their distaste for Trump’s racist proposals. Muhammad Ali, the Muslim former boxing world champion, said: “I believe that our political leaders should use their position to bring understanding about the religion of Islam.”
Recent polls suggest that Trump continues to connect with ‘ordinary’ American voters. Republicans broadly back his stance on banning Muslims entering the US until security can be improved.
