Public Outcry: Republican Representative Insults Sikh Prayer During US House Session

Mary Miller, a Republican congresswoman from Illinois, is facing significant backlash after she criticized a Sikh prayer delivered in the US House of Representatives. On Friday, she posted—then deleted—remarks on X (formerly Twitter) implying that Giani Singh, the Sikh Granthi who led the prayer, should not have been permitted to do so.

Initially, Miller misidentified Singh as Muslim. She stated that it was “deeply troubling” for someone of that faith to lead a prayer in the House, claiming it should “never have been allowed.” She went further to express her belief that America was founded as a Christian nation and that the government should reflect those values.

After realizing her mistake, Miller edited her post to correct Singh’s identity from Muslim to Sikh and then deleted the entire post. The reaction was immediate and fierce. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Miller “an ignorant and hateful extremist.” Other lawmakers, including California Republican David Valadao, expressed disappointment, noting the contributions of Sikh-Americans to society and condemning discrimination.

Several Democratic representatives joined the chorus of disapproval. Jared Huffman remarked humorously that Miller’s comments might require him to rethink his view of his congressional peers. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Grace Meng emphasized the importance of religious freedom, labeling Miller’s remarks as intolerant and xenophobic.

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a statement denouncing Miller’s comments as both anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry, highlighting that conflating the two groups is not only ignorant but also racist. The Sikh Coalition urged Miller to apologize to both communities for her remarks, emphasizing that no one should face discrimination based on their identity.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation on social media about the importance of inclusivity and understanding in American politics. According to a 2022 Pew Research study, around 27% of Americans report experiencing or witnessing discrimination based on religion, underscoring the need for respectful dialogue among diverse faiths.

As the public responds to Miller’s comments, it’s clear that many believe leaders in Congress should reflect the country’s diverse makeup and uphold the values of freedom and respect for all religions. Miller’s office has yet to issue a comment on the situation, leaving many awaiting further clarification.



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