Illinois Measure Would Create Advisory Council for Muslims

ABC ^ | June 20, 2016

[lowbridge]

Illinois could become the first state in the U.S. with a law giving Muslim-Americans a formal voice in state government.

The Chicago Tribune reports that a bill approved by the Legislature would create a 21-member Illinois Muslim-American Advisory Council. It's awaiting Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's signature. The governor's office said he's reviewing it.

Muslim leaders said it would send a welcoming message to Muslims. The governor and legislative leaders would appoint council members.

Kareem Irfan, a Chicago lawyer who led an earlier version of the council under Gov. Pat Quinn, said it would be good to have a lasting institutional body so the community is not subject to the whims of each governor.

"Given all that is going on with the misinterpretation about Islam and the interests and concerns of the Muslim-American community, it's almost obligatory on behalf of a governor of this state and all governors to have such a body," Irfan said.

[cardinal4]

Story published on a Friday..

[BillyBoy]

>> Does Illinois have an advisory council for any other religion? I’d really like to know. <<

Nope.

[BillyBoy]

>> Technically, there is nothing in the constitution that says “separation of church and state.” <<

Correct, but in the Illinois State Constitution, there is a direct clause prohibiting government from giving special preference to any specific religion:

ARTICLE 1, SECTION 3. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be guaranteed, and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on account of his religious opinions; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State. No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship against his consent, nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship.
~ (Source: Illinois Constitution.)

[rey]

My point was the so often quoted phrase, “separation of church and state” does not exist in that word order in any law, amendment, etc. It is a phrase used by Jefferson. It is not a law. What you cite is similar to the first amendment. The establishment of a religion would obviously show favoritism.

[fone]

Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korean “Conflict,” Vietnam, and the latest — The 9/11 War.

Looks like we are losing the latter to the Muslims who are incrementally taking this country bit by bit.

Pray and remain steadfast. Push back against pure evil.