House Backs Resolution Against Muslim Rights Organization

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — House lawmakers voted 63-18 to discourage Louisiana's law enforcement and government agencies from working with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights organization.

Rep. Barry Ivey, a Republican from Baton Rouge, says he sponsored the resolution — which carries no force of law — because of concerns the organization and its officials have had ties to terrorist groups.

The organization, known as CAIR, has denied the claims.

Democratic lawmakers Friday questioned the need for Louisiana's state House to wade into such a debate in the final days of the legislative session. They suggested the state had more pressing concerns, like its financial problems.

Rep. Patricia Smith, a Baton Rouge Democrat, said the resolution will instill fear in Muslims who live in Louisiana.

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House Resolution 170: www.legis.la.gov

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