Denver, CO, March 6, 2017 . . . At a press conference today on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol, Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Regional Director Scott L. Levin issued the following statement in support of the Ralph Carr Freedom Defense Act (barring the State of Colorado’s participation in a Federal registration and/or internment program):

Registration never seems to work out too well for the registered.

 

That is why, if the federal government requires registration of people based on their religion, I will proudly put on my chest a yellow Star of David with the word “Jude” written on it,  just as the Nazis required of the Jews in the 1930s and 1940s. That Star will be a reminder to me and everyone that sees it, that registration did not work out well for the Jews of Europe.

 

Whether you wear a star, a cross, a turban or some other symbol of your religion, I hope you will join me as a proud Jew, a proud Christian, a proud Sikh, a proud Hindu, whatever you are, to register yourself as a Muslim.

 

There are people that ask why this Bill is necessary at this time.  After all, they say, talk of a registry was only “loose campaign talk.”  When the President or those around him spoke of registration and cited our country’s horrific internment of Japanese Americans as if it was a positive precedent, they were only pandering for votes. Well, my friends, we have seen other loose campaign talk become the basis for policy and Executive Orders.

 

Some say that registration and internment are necessary arrows in our quiver to address the terrorism that we so fear.  Friends, I ask you to consider that while terrorism is real and may be feared, we should be much more concerned about the assault that may occur against me, the robbery that may occur against you, the crime that goes unpunished because the victim or, perhaps we can be selfish here, the witness is too scared to come forward and speak with law enforcement.

 

The time is now, when we must make it clear that the State of Colorado does not fear the immigrant, the Muslim or anyone else based on a gross generalization or stereotype.  This Bill sends an important message that Colorado stands with all its residents no matter their race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status or religious affiliation.

 

I ask you all to support HB 17-1230 and that we demand our legislators make this the law so that we can send a clear message that Colorado stands for inclusion and respect for all.