By Nijan Datar
Senator Jamie Eldridge has introduced Senate Bill S2134 “An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth”.
It begs the question: Why aren’t existing civil rights laws adequate to handle whatever real or imagined problems this bill is supposed to handle? Why exactly is there a carve-out for a specific religion?
This bill seems to veer very close to being unconstitutional. Why am I (a non-Muslim) being forced to pay for this? Even though the commissioners are largely uncompensated, the new office will have a paid executive director as well as employees, so my tax dollars are involved. And like all bureaucracies, this one will never die, and likely will only get bigger.
More insidiously, in addition to several objectionable items, this commission will “identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government”.
How is it right that the Massachusetts State government puts its thumb on the scale in favor of American Muslims? Which qualified non-Muslim must pay the price?
Article VI, Clause 3 of the U.S Constitution states, in part: “…no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States“.
This is a dangerous and potentially unconstitutional bill that should be strongly opposed by all. I urge you to contact your State Representative and even Sen. Eldridge to voice your opposition.
You can read the full text here.
Leave a Reply