Jun 24th, 2009
Posted by Azadeh N. Shahshahani, ACLU Foundation of Georgia at 2:32pm	Religion & Belief, Women's Rights

Religious Freedom an Unkept Vow in U.S.

(A version of this article originally appeared on AJC.com)

I have been watching with interest and apprehension the movement reverberating in my birthplace over the past few weeks. The cries of “Azadi” by the people who have poured out in the tens of thousands into the streets to demand greater freedom have defied the distance between us.

I was born in Iran four days after the 1979 revolution. My name, Azadeh, means "free-spirited," signifying the great hopes that my parents and the many other parents who named their daughters Azadeh that year bore for the revolution. Their hopes were soon dashed, however, as the oppressive regime of the shah was replaced by a theocracy in which there are rules governing every aspect of people’s lives in public, and even private, spaces. In this system, one’s advancement in professional and especially official ranks depends in part on the extent to which one chooses to profess one’s religiosity, as defined in a regime-dictated manner.

Faced with this backdrop, one of the freedoms that was most appealing to me when I came to the United States at age 16 was the right, free from governmental interference, to practice one’s religion, or no religion at all. I learned that this right is among the most fundamental of the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. In my trips back to visit family and friends, I often boasted about the guarantee of religious freedom in the United States.

This fundamental right has been increasingly denied, however, to Muslim-Americans post-9/11, tarnishing America’s reputation as a beacon of religious freedom.

Last week, the ACLU released a report demonstrating how American Muslims’ right to practice zakat — charitable giving, which is one of the five pillars of Islam — has been violated. The ACLU report shows that U.S. terrorism finance laws and policies have had a chilling effect on Muslim charitable giving by creating an atmosphere of fear. These laws have authorized executive branch officials to target charities based on secret evidence, and without notice, charges, an opportunity to respond, or meaningful judicial review.

Closer to home, I recently joined Ms. Lisa Valentine and her husband before the Georgia Committee on Access and Fairness in the Courts. Ms. Valentine was there to testify about the experience she faced at a courthouse in Douglasville, Ga., where she was made to choose between her right to free exercise of religion and her right to access to court.

Ms. Valentine, also known by her Islamic name, Miedah, spoke about the experience of being denied the right to gain access to the courthouse on December 16, 2008, because she wore a headscarf. She found herself in handcuffs and in jail with her hijab removed after Judge Keith Rollins of the Douglasville Municipal Court sentenced her to 10 days in jail for contempt of court. Ms. Valentine and other Muslim women were denied access to the Douglasville Municipal Court, even after they expressly conveyed to court officials that the wearing of the headscarf is an expression of their faith.

Muslim-Americans, like all people in the United States, should have the right to express their religious beliefs free from discrimination or the jeopardizing of other important rights.

As eloquently stated by President Obama in his speech in Cairo on June 4th, “freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion.” The President acknowledged the right of Muslim women and girls to wear the hijab and raised the issue of the adverse effect of terrorism finance laws on Muslim charitable giving.

The administration and governments on the state and local levels need to follow up on this premise by ensuring that our laws, policies, and practices are in fact consistent with American values of due process and religious freedom.

These freedoms are too important to be violated, as evidenced by the willingness of people in my birthplace to risk their lives to secure them.

Permalink |	Religion & Belief, Women's Rights

1. Yamamoto Says:
   Jun 24th, 2009 at 11:02pm

   The best thing to do would be to return home where your religion is welcome...

2. roald Says:
   Jun 25th, 2009 at 12:53pm

   Yamamoto...Their religion is as welcome here as is yours. Read the Constitution.

3. jan Says:
   Jun 26th, 2009 at 10:46am

   I am sick of our goverment taking our religious freedoms away to satisfy people from other countries. They say our religion is not welcomed in schools and sports events in pray before atheletic events. I was born and raised in America we prayed before every spoorting event, we prayed for students in our schools that died. This country was built on faith in God and if these people don't like it get the hell out and go back to their country. We fought for our rights and half of these people or running out because it is easier to come here ruin our freedoms than to get off there ass and figt for theirs. As far as the aclu you are here to protect our rights not theirs for once get off your butt and do the right thing for Americans

4. Gloria Says:
   Jun 26th, 2009 at 2:58pm

   I read where the ACLU wants to remove military cross shaped headstones and to end military prayer. I am quite sure my Father and all those who fought for the freedom of America are rolling over in their graves. Where do you get off believing this is your right. You have rights because of those of fought and died. You also seem to confuse the issue of the separation of church and state .. it is a legal and political principle derived from the First Amendment to the US Constitution which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise there of..." From Thomas Jefferson, ...with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declard that their 'legislature' should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the FREE EXERCISE Thereof..."
   You could really serve, but instead you denigrate. My husband served and when he passes away, I will place a cross on his headstone and the Lord's prayer will be said. And, quite frankly my dear ACLU, I don't care what you want. I will exercise my rights of freedom to speak and to pray as I so desire. Again, your talents could be utilized in a more beneficial way. If you don't like it, GET OVER IT. Thanks be to God.

5. roald Says:
   Jun 26th, 2009 at 4:40pm

   jan, this country was founded by people who wanted to escape from religious persecution and formed by people who vowed not to repeat those mistakes.

   I was born and raised in America and felt persecuted every time I was forced to pray to a god in whom I did not believe.

   The country was not built on faith in god, but on treating people who are different from us as we would expect to be treated (where did I hear a variation of that?). Whenever we failed at this, organizations like the ACLU fought to restore equality.

   Gloria...I suggest that you find some reputable sources. I will give you a headstart
   http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/cemetery.asp
   debunks the rumor about removing cross shaped headstones. The ACLU's position is not against religion, but for ensuring the State does not favor any religion (including none of the above) over another.

6. Eric Says:
   Jul 3rd, 2009 at 8:24am

   Muslims are losing freedoms because they have been silent too long. I read quite a bit and in the time since9/11 I could count on one hand the times I have heard muslims dennounce terrorism. I could care less about your freedoms.When muslims all around the world live in peace Americans will accept them, until that day we will not trust any of them. I am pretty acceptable of any culture that does not tolerate violence Islam is not one of them. Islam treats women as second class citizens. Any country or cult for that matter that sanctions stonning to death of a young lady because she was raped should never be accepted.

7. Hazel Says:
   Jul 3rd, 2009 at 1:53pm

   Why in God's name can't everybody have, practice and express their "OWN" personal choice of religion? I myself am a Southern Baptist and I respect each religion, for who am I to decide which if any is the best, the right one or the wrong one.. No one will know until it is their time, be from God, Allah, Buda, The Virgin Mary or which ever one represents your choice. What is the big problem? The most simple solution I see is, "You leave me and my God alone and I will do the same for you." Is this to much to expect?
   About the comment: The country was not built on faith in god, but on treating people who are different from us as we would expect to be treated (where did I hear a variation of that?). That is actually a mis-quote of a Bible Verse: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." -Matthew 7:12. It is one of the Golden Rules, now where they came from I am not sure

8. Hazel Says:
   Jul 4th, 2009 at 1:20pm

   I posted a comment yesterday, what happened to it. I didn't make any threats so why is it not posted? Nor did I dis any other country nor their beliefs.

9. Connie Says:
   Jul 10th, 2009 at 8:09am

   I am Born American. This is my Country. How Dare ANYONE come to MY Country and try to change it like the country they were unhappy with. Our fourfathers went searching for land to set us free to believe how we wanted to believe. IF you like our Land and want to become an American Citizen, then follow our CONSTITUTION and our guideline. Get a job and support your family. Send your children off to war to fight for our freedom like we have. WE have come along way with our strugggles to be free. We have lost lots of our Soldiers that fought to set us free and Someone what to come from a land they don't like and change OURS? This is NOT RIGHT BY ANY MEANS. If you want to worship your religion, build your church and go there. Stay there and do your believeing. Leave my UNITED STATES of AMERICA religion ALONE. We have paid for our United States of America and paid with our son' daughters' mothers' fathers, and grandparents lives. IF you don't like our Constition go to another land you love. Leave us Free as our Forefathers so greatfully declared.

10. Mark Says:
    Jul 10th, 2009 at 4:15pm

    Freedom OF Religion is NOT freedom FROM religion, a fact which the ACLU seems to have forgotten. Our Country WAS founded by Christians, who vowed never to persecute another for their faith, nor DEMAND by LAW that everyone follow any sect or faith. They, however did not espouse the expulsion of GOD from our counrty to satisfy the beliefes of other faiths who have immigrated here.
    They are GUARANTEED the right to worship as they will, but they CAN NOT demand that we CHANGE or AMEND our faith or beliefs to suit them. Again, something that the ACLU seems unable to grasp.85% of this country, despite non believers best efforts, are still fundamentally Christian if faith, and we WILL NOT accede to this religiuos terrorism! God WILL remain in our land, In our Hearts, and in our schools and public buildings. If recent immigree's do not like this, well, sorry about your luck, so mote it be!

11. BluChunx Says:
    Jul 11th, 2009 at 12:22am

    Connie, I applaud you as a Native American, standing up for your beliefs. It's time we established your Native American religion as the UNITED STATES of AMERICA religion and leave it alone. Why do these Christians diss your religion? You were here FIRST. Just because the country was build by people of many faiths and non-faiths is no reason keep them around. They should all go home and leave you Native Americans alone. You have shamed me into returning to Ireland.

12. Don Says:
    Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:36am

    This fundamental right has been increasingly denied, however, to Muslim-Americans post-9/11, tarnishing America’s reputation as a beacon of religious freedom.

    Don:

    Sorry about that, but you come to the USA and religious freedom is NOT terrorist activity, not murders in the streets, not blowing up innocent people, NO child brides allowed as Mohammad raped Aisha in the Koran, NO slavery of women as the Koran says to do and NO wife beatings.

    You want these freedoms in the name of your filthy Allah god, then go back to your own barbaric and savage Islamic country where Female mutilations are legal along with your 4 child wives that big MO says is OK to do.

    Hey you Muslims---we have your Koran and the Islamic Hadith, we know the evils in Jihad you are commanded to do, how it is OK to beat your wife senseless, so do not be pulling this garbage of religious freedom on us so you can commit your filthy crimes. We in the USA do NOT want the hell hole that your Islamic religion has made in 55 Islamic theocracies. Go pick another god of some kind (any god will do as I do not care what one) but drop that filthy Koran in the sewer where it belongs.

    Don

13. Robert Says:
    Jul 26th, 2009 at 10:01pm

    I am indeed irate withregards to those who desired to remove any form of prayer from any institution espectially for our military members...Every nation has it's own prayer or faith that requests their god or deity for their military at war...The Nation is created on the freedom of religon, which does not deny any faith the right to worship...This does mean that they are not to deny that to any faith (those that support or reject an opposing faith)...I want to war in Vietnam and I trust and believe that the protection given by my GOD allowed me to return home alive...I would also hope that those of other faiths, (yes even the Viet Cong) believed in their faith to provide diety protection...GOD bless America and the Freedom of prayer without ACLU butting in...!

14. Freedom Says:
    Aug 6th, 2009 at 7:11am

    To all ACLU supporters

    Here is a great example of an organization that once had a vision and a purpose and is now just trying to justify its existence at the expense of others. And the oppressed become the oppressor.

    ________________________________________

    HOW CAN THEY MAKE A CHAPLIN OMIT "JESUS" IN PRAYERS??

    Did you know that the ACLU has filed a suit to have all military cross-shaped headstones removed and another suit to end prayer from the military completely. They're making great progress. The Navy Chaplains can no longer mention Jesus' name in prayer thanks to the ACLU.

15. Suzanne Ito, ACLU Says:
    Aug 11th, 2009 at 5:56pm

    Re: Freedom's comment above.

    This is untrue. Please see our FAQ for more detail:
    www.aclu.org/about/faqs/index.html#3_8

16. Robert Says:
    Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:11pm

    Keep bringing lawsuits against our military, evangelical churches, teachers, and everyday citizens in the name of separation of church and state and you will soon have no one talking to anyone about anything. You can't discuss Christmas because it might offend someone who doesn't believe in Christ (you folks don't seem to have any problem with Halloween which glorifies the works of Satan). Praying for someone (even silently) is not allowed if you are in a public school. Finally, you can't serve in the military without someday wondering if the ACLU will launch an investigation about something you may or may not have done while fighting for your country.

17. bigterra Says:
    Sep 9th, 2009 at 9:05pm

    It has come to my attention that on 25 September 2009 Muslims will hold a prayer meeting on the West front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Why are they being permitted to do this when it is illegal for any other religion to have similar meetings. Even more distrbing is that the Islamic website is advertising this. I urge you toi check their website AND ESPECIALLY NOTE THE LAST THREE WORDS ON IT!

    WWW.ISLAMONCAPITOLHILL.COM

18. Lucky Says:
    Sep 13th, 2009 at 10:07am

    GOD Bless America! One Nation Under GOD! You don't like it, get out. This country is the land of opportunity, freedom, and unity. All this wouldn't be, without our forefathers' belief in GOD. This country's success was based on the belief of GOD! Pray for this nation, for it's people, for it's freedom. GOD bless our men and women serving this great nation! And if you don't like the word GOD, then I suggest you press your beliefs in another country. Try Iran, Israel, Afghanistan, or Iraq!

19. Cheryl Says:
    Sep 13th, 2009 at 6:29pm

    Thanks Roald, what a relief to see that not everyone has lost what was left of that small part that could have been called a mind...

    You rabid Christians are the ones who are shooting your own self in the foot by acting so hateful, ignorant and crazy. If you don't get with the program and start accepting the fact that you don't rule the world (or this country, our America) you will see that you are creating the backlash against your insanity. Now go and mind your own business and quit trying to force your hatred on everyone else.

20. Diane Says:
    Sep 19th, 2009 at 3:16pm

    Our country was founded by men who were very religious and their intentions were not to abolish prayer..just to let anyone pray in their own way..no one has ever been forced to pray in this country (as someone previous claimed). I remember in school or anywhere, if I didn't feel like praying, no one could make me but I did have to show respect for the other people who wanted to. I respect the place and time anyone wants to pray and for others to tell me I can't feel this way is unconstitutional and just wrong. I am sure that these men in the military have a unifying force to uplift them when they all get together to pray..whether it is quiet time, bowing of heads and/or not saying a prayer. Their is no harm there unless someone just wants to start trouble and attract negative attention to themselves.

21. Better then you Says:
    Nov 21st, 2009 at 5:08pm

    One's freedom ends when it jeopardizes the saftey of others. There are safety and security reasons why a drivers license has your picture on it, why you cannot walk into a bank with your face covered, why stores have security cameras, etc. If someone wants to live here, they can adhere to the rules we all live within. If you do not like those rules, you do not have to stay in this country.

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