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Southern Poverty Law Center issues Insane Press Release

SOUTHERN POLICY LAW CENTER

400 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104

Press Release

September 16, 2016 — Montgomery, Alabama

Today the Southern Poverty Law Center is making a long overdue, bold statement about Islamophobia and the need for cultural acceptance in the West.

“Two days ago Pope Francis called French priest Jacques Hamel a martyr and spoke badly about the men who killed him. While the SPLC always stands against murder, and we feel sad for Father Hamel, it is important to choose words carefully so as not to inflame Islamophobia and hatred towards Muslims,” says SPLC senior fellow Mark Potok.

“After two days of soul searching here at the SPLC, we have decided to bring nuance to the sad death of Father Hamel by strongly condemning the words of both Pope Francis and Father Hamel,” Potok says.

“Calling Father Hamel a ‘martyr’ casts Islam in an artificially negative light, and brings undue attention to just one small aspect of the rich belief system that Islam encompasses,” says Morris Dees, SPLC founder.

“Therefore, the SPLC calls on Pope Francis to apologize for his hurtful words, and to issue an apology on behalf of Father Hamel, for having called the men ‘Satan’. We understand that at the time of that cruel epithet Father Hamel was under some duress, however there is never any place for Islamophobia. Especially in a church,” says Dees.

Press inquiries can be directed to Wendy Via, Chief Communications Officer, at (334) 956-8200 or Toll-Free at (888) 414-7752.

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