Religious leaders: Anti-terrorism bill threatens free speech

By The Associated Press

10.23.01

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Muslim and Christian groups have released a joint statement saying the anti-terrorism bill before Congress would victimize immigrants and stifle legitimate dissent by giving too much authority to federal law enforcement.

The mix of churches and religious organizations agreed steps must be taken to fight terrorism, but said increasing surveillance without extensive judicial oversight would violate rights to free speech and due process.

"The goal of our national security should be defending our freedom, not limiting it," the statement said.

The American Muslim Council, the National Council of Churches, the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A., and the Quaker group Friends Committee on National Legislation, are among the groups that signed on to the statement.

Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, which also endorsed the statement, said yesterday that he feared new powers for federal agents would spark a "witch hunt."

The Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory, a Washington representative for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), another signatory, said the long history of religious activism on issues such as civil rights made her especially concerned about preserving free speech.

Negotiators for the House and Senate have been working out the final details on compromise anti-terror legislation.

The bill would impose stronger penalties on those who harbor or finance terrorists, increase punishment for terrorists and expand the FBI's wiretapping authority. The new powers for federal agents would expire in four years.

Rob Cavenaugh, legislative director for the Unitarian Universalist Association, said limiting the time the surveillance measures were in effect didn't make them any more palatable.

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