Shoulder to Shoulder Applauds Passage of The NO BAN Act
July 22, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Catherine Orsborn — catherine.orsborn@s2scampaign.org
The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign applauds today’s House vote on the passage of The NO BAN Act, which would repeal the harmful Muslim, African, refugee, and asylum bans put in place by this administration and establish vital protections against future discriminatory bans.
We cannot forget that one of the first acts of the current administration was to implement a racist travel ban policy, with the clear intention (based on numerous campaign promises) of banning Muslims.
We also recall the beautiful and emotional display of national solidarity as people from different walks of life, flooded the airports to reject the Muslim Ban. It is in this same spirit that people of faith and goodwill called on their representatives to ensure the passage of The NO BAN Act — and it worked!
Our Members of Congress made the choice between affirming discrimination and exclusion, or supporting The NO BAN Act and thereby upholding our founding principle of freedom of religion extended equally to all. We are proud of those who made the right choice today. This Act would not only repeal the Ban; it would also make it impossible for future administrations- whoever may hold the office of President- to do something like this down the road.
People of faith have not been silent on this issue, with over 300 religious organizations and faith leaders joining this letter in support of the bill, nearly 1000 faith-based individuals adding their names to this petition of support, partner denominations and organizations making strong faith statements of solidarity, and so many others taking action by writing, calling, and meeting with our nation’s leaders to urge their support of The NO BAN Act.
Rabbi Jack Moline, President of the Interfaith Alliance and Shoulder to Shoulder Steering Committee member said, “The administration’s de facto ban on Muslims doesn’t only hurt the Muslim community, it is an affront to all people of faith and conscience. My ability to practice my Jewish faith is only guaranteed as long as my Muslim neighbors are able to practice their faith.”
Diane Randall, Executive Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and Shoulder to Shoulder Steering Committee member, shared, “Since the first iteration of the Muslim ban, we at FCNL have stood against the president’s immoral and illegal Muslim Ban. As a Quaker organization, we strongly support religious freedom and follow the biblical imperative to welcome the sojourner. This ban is the antithesis of our faith-driven ideals.
And while the NO BAN Act upholds our national ideals of religious freedom and our moral obligation to welcome, we also recognize that this bill, as is, is not perfect. Due to the challenges of COVID-19, leadership included harmful language that stigmatizes immigrants as health risks that can result in more discriminatory policies. We still have more work to do. We pray this bill can be a step in the right direction.
