National Organization for Women Denounces Religious Extremism in Wake of Terrorist Attack; Urges Unity, Not Bigotry
Statement of NOW President Kim Gandy
September 14, 2001
National Organization for Women Denounces Religious Extremism in Wake of Terrorist Attack; Urges Unity, Not Bigotry
Statement of NOW President Kim Gandy
September 14, 2001
On behalf of the members of the National Organization for Women, I extend NOW's heartfelt sympathies to the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks, and their families, and our profound gratitude to the thousands who have made heroic sacrifices to protect and aid the survivors.
These horrifying attacks, reportedly born of extremist religious zealotry, must awaken our country and the world to the terrible costs of hate. Women and girls around the globe have long suffered brutality and oppression in the name of religion. The Taliban government of Afghanistan, believed to be harboring suspect Osama bin Laden, subjugates women and girls, and deprives them of the most basic human rights -- including education, medicine and jobs.
The smoldering remains of the World Trade Center are a stark reminder that when such extremism is allowed to flourish anywhere in the world, none of us is safe.
On Wednesday, statements from U.S. fundamentalist ministers reminded us that religious intolerance is not isolated to any one region of the world. Messages of shock and dismay continue to come in from women and men who are outraged that extremists in our own country are blaming organizations like NOW, by name, for this national tragedy
Rev. Jerry Falwell said on the 700 Club television show, and Rev. Pat Robertson agreed, "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians . . . I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen'." NOW calls on religious groups everywhere to denounce this kind of hate-filled rhetoric and the bigotry that such comments represent.
This must be a time of unity and support, not divisive finger pointing. We must do more than simply condemn these brutal acts of terror. We must also commit ourselves to embrace and advance fundamental human rights for all.
Above all, we cannot allow the terrorists to goad us into terrorizing others -- like those who are reportedly lashing out in misplaced anger against neighbors and co-workers because of their perceived national origin or religion. In our national response to these brutal acts, let us have the strength of character to remain true to the ideals we hold most precious: our commitment to tolerance, religious liberty and equality for each of us, in all of our diversity. Let us leave hatred behind as we rebuild our community together.
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