17 state lawmakers refuse Quran gifts By Jennifer Mock Capitol Bureau
A handful of lawmakers have asked not to receive a Quran being given to legislators at the Capitol by the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council in honor of the state's centennial.
Marjan Seirafi-Pour, chairman of the council, said Tuesday 17 lawmakers have asked to be removed from the list of those receiving Qurans.
Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, said he did not want a Quran because he claims it encourages Muslims to kill unbelievers. Instead of handing out the Islamic religious books, he urged the council to encourage "peaceful, law-abiding Muslims to speak out against terrorism in the name of their religion.
As of midday Tuesday, Duncan said he had received about 100 e-mails about his decision to refuse a Quran 87 of which were supportive while 13 critical. The number of responses surprised him, he said.
"I just didn't want the thing, he said.
The Qurans are at the printer getting the Oklahoma Centennial seal and each lawmaker's name imprinted on them, Seirafi-Pour said. They will likely be distributed in November.
She sent an e-mail Sunday to House members and to senators Monday explaining the project.
She told lawmakers to contact her if they did not want to receive a Quran.
The idea for the Centennial Qurans came from Centennial Bibles, which the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma gave to every lawmaker earlier this year, Seirafi-Pour said.
Money for the books was raised from the Muslim community, which numbers about 30,000 to 50,000 in the state, Seirafi-Pour said. She estimates about $10,000 to $15,000 has already been raised.
She said several lawmakers responded positively to the e-mail about the forthcoming gift of the Quran, including Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, who told her he was happy to receive a copy and Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, who said he would be honored to receive one.
The reaction from the Muslim community has been one of disappointment more than anger, she said.
This is the email I sent my rep, who is one of those who refused the book.
Representative Martin-
As one of your constituents I cannot tell you how disheartened I am that you refused to accept a copy of the Quran. I ask what the purpose of doing so was? Was the organization who attempted to present the Quran a terrorist organization? I would venture to say no, if they were offering a sacred text of their religion I would venture to guess they were doing this to extend an olive branch, and what do 17 members of the house decided to do? Step on the Olive Branch and look nothing more than close-minded, stereotypical, and intolerant.
In a time of such political unrest in our country I would think that we, as a people, would be striving to better understand those different from us as to find a way to live in harmony. However your actions, and those of your colleagues, seem to me to serve no other purpose than pushing us further and further apart.
I wonder, Mr. Martin, how many of your constituents are of Muslim faith, and how well you serve them.
I myself am a Christian, and I know for certain the Bible I read tells us to love all mankind. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once had to remind eight Alabama clergymen of something Jesus said, and I now feel compelled to remind you, he said "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." I am no way saying the group of people who attempted to reach out to you and other members of the House of Representatives are anyone's enemies. I wholeheartedly believe this was an act of good will and an attempt to secure a more united Oklahoma. However, if you view their actions to be those of a group you view as "terrorist" or a "threat to national security" you would still have been well served to accept their offer if you believe the words quoted above.
I do hope that you will reconsider your choice, Representative, and I hope that you will do good works in your position and strive for an Oklahoma that all people who reside here feel welcomed in.
Respectfully,
Miranda Norman 4108 Heritage Place Drive Norman, OK 73072
