|
MPAC – March 9, 2007
Muslim advocates defeat amendment on charities
MPAC has commended the Muslim Advocates for working to defeat a troubling amendment that would have further criminalized well-intentioned humanitarian assistance to the needy around the world, including the Muslim world. In a 49-46 vote today, the U.S. Senate rejected the amendment offered by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
This amendment was written so broadly that it could have made it a crime for individuals, including Americans and U.S. aid and relief organizations, to give charitable assistance to a family member or anyone who might live next door to a suspected terrorist. It also contained other
problematic provisions, including a proposal to remove the role of the courts in reviewing visa revocation decisions.
MPAC worked closely with the Muslim Advocates -- the legal advocacy affiliate of the National Association of Muslim Lawyers -- on this initiative as well as the ACLU, Center for National Security Studies, OMB Watch and the Rights Working Group to defeat the amendment.
In a statement, the MPAC said that it is confident that legislation and policy that hinders the rights of all American can be defeated by working together with all groups.
|
