Minnesota House DFLers are calling on Republican Rep. Roz Peterson to rescind an invitation to an activist who is associated with two organizations the Southern Poverty Law Center lists as "anti-Muslim hate groups."
Raheel Raza, who is affiliated with ACT for America and the Clarion Project, is scheduled to visit the State Capitol on Wednesday. Peterson said Tuesday she does not intend to rescind her invitation.
Raza's website describes her as an "intercultural and interfaith diversity consultant, author, public speaker." But House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman sent Peterson a letter Tuesday calling Raza an extremist.
"Ms. Raza's hateful agenda includes closing mosques, enforcing a Muslim ban, rejecting refugees and policing the practice of the Islamic faith," Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, said in the letter.
Peterson, R-Lakeville, said she has never met Raza, but members of the Clarion Project asked if she wanted to meet Raza and she agreed. When she looked at the organization's website, Peterson said she did not get the impression it is anti-Muslim. She said she invited all legislators to their discussion and expects to talk about how to address terrorist groups who are targeting Muslims.
"As an inclusive person, I do think it is important to listen to everyone," Peterson said. "I am certainly not supportive of hate groups."
ACT for America's website says the group educates citizens and elected officials to protect America from terrorism. The Clarion Project claims to challenge radical Islam and promote human rights. The Southern Poverty Law Center has them on its list of hate groups. Organizations on that list exhibit extreme hostility toward Muslims and "typically hold conspiratorial views regarding the inherent danger to America posed by its Muslim-American community," the center's website states.
Raza's blog also raised concerns for some DFL legislators, House DFL Caucus spokeswoman Susie Merthan said. She noted a 2014 post labeled, "AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL CANADIANS — Canada is under attack!" In the post, Raza, who is a Pakistani-Canadian, recommended closing all mosques for three months and scrutinizing imams, as well as putting a temporary moratorium on immigration from Muslim countries.
Jessie Van Berkel • 651-925-5044
