The controversy surrounding a Texas imam who was invited to pray before Congress has escalated, with a Republican representative planning to introduce a resolution condemning his actions.
Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, will introduce the resolution on Wednesday, targeting Omar Suleiman, the president and co-founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, near Dallas. Suleiman had celebrated Sen. Lindsey Graham's death in a social media post, wishing him "an eternity in ruins" over his support for Israel.
The post, which Suleiman made on Sunday, read: "In other news, Lindsey Graham is dead. Bye Lindsey. May you live an eternity in ruins for the ruins you helped create in Gaza. Ameen." Van Duyne criticized Suleiman's words as "depravity" that "needs to be condemned."
Graham, who served in Congress for decades, was a leading advocate for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and the United States' conflict with Iran. He was also a fierce defender of Ukraine, Taiwan, and those living under authoritarian regimes.
Van Duyne argued that Suleiman's actions were a reflection of a broader decline in civility, citing the vitriol from some progressive commentators and left-wing activists. "The words are getting more hateful," she said. "The call for violence is getting more dangerous."
The resolution also highlights Sharia law's "incompatibility" with constitutional principles and American life. Van Duyne, who has long warned about the spread of radical Islam and efforts to promote Sharia law in the Lone Star State, believes that elected representatives are starting to stand up against it.
The resolution pays tribute to Graham, who Van Duyne said supported her during her runs for Congress and appeared with her at some fundraisers. "When he didn't agree with somebody, he would tell them," she said. "But it was never in a hateful, malicious manner."
Van Duyne hopes that the resolution will be supported by Democrats, who she believes should condemn Suleiman's actions. "It needs to be condemned by those Democrats who called him to the House floor to preach," she said.
The controversy surrounding Suleiman's comments has sparked debate about the role of religion in politics and the limits of free speech. Van Duyne believes that Suleiman's words were a call for violence and hatred, and that they should be condemned by all Americans.
Van Duyne's resolution also notes Suleiman's history of controversial remarks, including calling for a third Intifada and claiming that Zionists are "enemies of God." The resolution alleges that Suleiman has "defended convicted terrorists" and traveled to Turkey to support members of the Muslim Brotherhood, who are banned from traveling to the United States.
Suleiman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The controversy surrounding his comments is likely to continue, with many Americans weighing in on the issue.
Van Duyne believes that the resolution is necessary to stand up against radical Islam and promote a more civil and respectful dialogue in American politics.
The resolution will be introduced on Wednesday, and Van Duyne hopes that it will spark a broader conversation about the role of religion in politics and the limits of free speech.
