Anti-Muslim Rhetoric: Free Speech or Hate Speech?

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2010— -- A coalition of faith groups met with Justice Department officials Monday to encourage the Obama administration to take a more public stance against anti-Muslim hate speech and hate crimes.

Farhana Khera, president and executive director of Muslim Advocates, said the community leaders requested the meeting due to an "alarming rise in anti-Muslim hate" that has become commonplace as the debate over the so-called "Ground Zero mosque" in New York City continues.

"Unfortunately, this very escalating trend of hate speech in the country has now transformed into actual acts of violence and the attorney general, as the nation's chief law enforcement officer, has an obligation to really enforce the laws, including the hate crime laws and holding those that engage in hate crimes responsible," Khera said.

Last week in New York City, a taxi cab driver was repeatedly stabbed allegedly by a passenger who asked him, "Are you a Muslim?" before the attack.

On Saturday, a fire was discovered at the construction site for a mosque and community center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., that has been a topic of controversy in the city. Police said the fire is being investigated as a possible arson and hate crime.

And a church in Gainesville, Fla., has announced it plans to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11, to mark the anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks.

"We are a thriving democracy, we appreciate free speech, but when it crosses the line into violence, that's against the law," she said. "And the [Justice] Department, the federal government, the nation's chief law enforcement officer is going to prosecute and hold them responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

She said the groups asked the Justice Department officials to hold people who engage in hate crimes accountable, and "send a message that hate and criminal activity and attacks on houses of worship is un-American."

"Our concern is that we believe that there needs to be more attention, more resources put into investigating and prosecuting these cases as well as a higher level of attention to whatever efforts the department may be undertaking as well," she said.