U.S. Sen. John Kennedy Badgers Arab Civil Rights Leader

Arab civil rights leader Abed Ayoub faced off against US Sen. John Kennedy in a Senate immigration hearing on April 19. Kennedy made multiple comments implying that Ayoub supports terrorists, which Ayoub denied.

Kennedy’s Comments

Kennedy repeatedly questioned Ayoub about his support for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Kennedy falsely claimed that CAIR had been found guilty of supporting terrorists, and that “was a radical group.”

Ayoub denied the accusation, stating that CAIR is “a mainstream Muslim civil rights organization.” He also said that he has never supported terrorism.

Ayoub’s Response

Ayoub said he was “deeply offended” by Kennedy’s accusations. He said that Kennedy’s comments were “not only inaccurate, but they are also dangerous.”

Ayoub also said that Kennedy’s comments “play into the hands of those who want to divide us.” He said that Kennedy’s comments “are not only offensive, but they are also un-American.”

Reaction

Ayoub’s comments were met with support from many, including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). The ADC said that Kennedy’s comments were “outrageous” and that they “have no place in our society.”

Kennedy’s comments were also criticized by some Republicans. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said that Kennedy’s comments were “not helpful” and that they “do not reflect the views of the Republican Party.”

Conclusion

Kennedy’s comments were widely condemned as being inaccurate, dangerous, and un-American. Ayoub’s comments were met with support from many, including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).