George Voinovich: “one of the guiding principles upon which the United States of America was founded is that of religious freedom. Indeed…”

“one of the guiding principles upon which the United States of America was founded is that of religious freedom. Indeed, it is guaranteed in the Constitution, and it is a right that we as Americans hold dear. Our forefathers came to these shores from nations all over the world searching for the ability to worship as they pleased, and even now, men, women and children still come to the United States to do so. Today, virtually every branch of religion known to man is represented here in the United States. That fact should not only be expected in a Nation of immigrants, but our diversity of cultures and religions should be celebrated. However, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, events have occurred across this Nation that fly in the face of our Constitutional guarantees. Acts of hatred have been perpetrated against Arab-Americans and Muslim-Americans as if they had carried out or even condoned the killing of thousands of innocents.”