A veteran US Democratic Congressman has proposed a resolution that condemns violence against Muslims living in the United States in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist attack.
The draft resolution, suggested by House Democratic Minority Leader Mr David Bonior, is being circulated among members of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus.
"The civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including Arab Americans, Americans from South Asia and American Muslims, should be protected," the draft resolution says.
Several attacks directed against Islamic religious and cultural centres have been reported in the United States.
Mr Bonior, who has signaled his desire to leave Congress early next year, is widely reported to be contemplating a run for Michigan governor in November 2002. The state of Michigan has one of the largest Arab American community in the United States.
Meanwhile, US Catholic Bishops and Muslim leaders issued a joint statement condemning the terrorist acts as "evil and diametrically opposed to true religion."
"We join in supporting our government in the pursuit of those who were responsible for Tuesday's terrorist acts, always mindful of the moral imperative to act with restraint and respect for civilian lives," the religious leaders said.
"We appeal to law enforcement agencies and the general public to assist those who may be targets of hate crimes," they added.
AFP