CAIR condemns Garland attack

The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack.

“Violence in response to anti-Islam programs like the one in Garland is more insulting to our faith than any cartoon, however defamatory,” the group said in a statement. “Bigoted speech can never be an excuse for violence.”

LA TIMES

This is an important statement because it helps underline the principle that violence should not be the response to offensive speech but rather more speech. It is important not to legitimize the violence from extremists by giving religion a privileged place beyond criticism. In a pluralistic society all ideas must be open to criticism.