“The 21-member council, whose volunteer members would be appointed by the governor as well as leaders in the House and Senate, would advise the governor and General Assembly on issues affecting Muslim Americans and immigrants, including relations between Illinois and Muslim-majority countries….The act specifies that members would serve two-year terms and should bring expertise in a variety of areas including higher education, business, international trade, law, immigration and health care.”
Does Illinois have a Christian-American Advisory Council? A Jewish-American Advisory Council? A Hindu-American Advisory Council? A Buddhist-American Advisory Council? Of course not. Defenders of the Muslim-American Advisory Council might respond that such councils aren’t needed, because Jews and Christians and Hindus and Buddhists aren’t facing “hate” the way Muslims are — except that isn’t true, as Jews are targeted in hate crimes far more often than Muslims, and Christians are being viciously persecuted in many areas of the world — by Muslims.
The real reason why a Muslim-American Advisory Council is about to be established in Illinois (Rauner wouldn’t dare refuse to sign the bill) is because some Muslims are jihad terrorists. The underlying assumption here is that if Muslims get special privileges and access, they might stop killing non-Muslims. The special accommodation is a direct reward for bad behavior — it’s the behavior of an abused spouse being extra nice to the abuser, hoping the abuse will stop. It won’t.
“Muslims hope for Rauner’s signature on advisory council bill,” by Manya Brachear Pashman, Chicago Tribune, June 20, 2016:
There might not be a budget, but Illinois could become the first state with a law on the books that gives Muslims a formal voice in government.
The creation of an Illinois Muslim-American Advisory Council is one of more than 400 bills awaiting Gov. Bruce Rauner’s signature. It landed on the Republican governor’s desk shortly before presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump renewed his call to ban Muslims entering the U.S., after a shooter of the Islamic faith killed 49 people at an Orlando, Fla., nightclub.
Muslim leaders say Rauner’s signing of the bill would send a welcome message to the community that Illinois does not condone Trump’s approach. The governor’s office said he is reviewing the bill.
“Given all that is going on with the misinterpretation about Islam and the interests and concerns of the Muslim American community, it’s almost obligatory on behalf of a governor of this state and all governors to have such a body,” said Kareem Irfan, a Chicago lawyer who led an earlier iteration of the council under Gov. Pat Quinn. “So we’re not subject to the whims of each governor, it would be good to make this a lasting institutional body.”
Along with a number of other minority advisory councils, the Muslim council that existed under Quinn dissolved when Rauner took office last year, Irfan said. This year’s hostile political climate prompted Muslim community leaders to propose a resolution that would restore it, and lawmakers took it one step further by proposing a statute that would establish the council more formally.
Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, a co-sponsor of the bill, said she hopes restoration of the council in the form of a law will be the first of many efforts to ensure the governor considers minority perspectives.
“We need to encourage our Muslim Americans to be civically engaged and participate,” Collins said. “If you don’t participate, the fringe elements establish the policy.”
The 21-member council, whose volunteer members would be appointed by the governor as well as leaders in the House and Senate, would advise the governor and General Assembly on issues affecting Muslim Americans and immigrants, including relations between Illinois and Muslim-majority countries. Through monthly meetings and two public hearings per year, members also would serve as liaisons between state agencies and communities across Illinois.
The act specifies that members would serve two-year terms and should bring expertise in a variety of areas including higher education, business, international trade, law, immigration and health care. Staff from certain state agencies would serve as ex-officio members.
Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, who voted against the bill last month, said state employees shouldn’t be wasting their time monitoring advisory councils and lawmakers shouldn’t be wasting their time on “feel-good” legislation when there’s no state budget. She said moderate Muslims should more clearly denounce “Islamic radicals — whatever the Republicans are willing to say and Hillary Clinton isn’t.”
“It’s not an anti-Muslim thing,” she said. “It’s the duty and responsibility of the Muslim American community to figure out how to help us understand whom our enemies are. I don’t believe it’s the state of Illinois’ responsibility to do that.”
Illinois has long been a leader in policies affecting and protecting Muslims, the third-largest religious group in the state next to Roman Catholics and evangelical Protestants. In May 2001, 29 state senators, including then-state Sen. Barack Obama, sponsored a bill making it a misdemeanor for any business to sell meat and other products falsely labeled halal, foods permitted by the faith. And in 2005, lawmakers urged federal agencies to come up with a list of charitable organizations, including Muslim charities, that Americans could contribute to without fear of prosecution.
In 2009, busloads of Muslims headed to Springfield for the first annual Muslim Action Day, an organized lobbying effort for issues affecting the community. Quinn issued an executive order setting up an advisory council during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2011.
Rauner recently hosted an interfaith prayer breakfast at the executive mansion, where the executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago gave a reading from the Quran.
Hoda Hawa, director of policy and advocacy for the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Washington, D.C., cautiously applauded the legislation, as long as its stated purpose was authentic. There have been too many instances when law enforcement has enlisted the Muslim community for the purpose of surveillance, not civic engagement, she said.
“If this council is just for security purposes, they should be clear about that,” Hawa said. “It would be quite concerning to set up an advisory council that’s out there gathering intelligence. That really erodes trust.”…

Jaladhi says
Ugh.. This is a disaster. Whats going on in these government official’s minds?
Polk1970 says
Here’s what’s happening in Illinois
The Chicago Democratic Machine CONTROLLED General Assembly is doing THIS,NOW,as a POLITICAL move against the GOP ,putting the GOP Governor,Bruce Rauner,and in turn,the Republican Party,Nationally,
Rauner MUST NOT sign this bill.
Anybody doubt Obama and /or his operatives are pushing this?.
Remember ,Obama was an Illinois State Senator and it’s most cooceivable that he “persuaded” the Democratic Legislature to do THIS Vile Act.,
Illinois and Chicago are DISASTER ZONES due to the Democratic Party
Joseph Ellul says
Obama sent Illinois broke and now he wants sharia laws. The US has not experienced Islamic rule. My ancestors had to live under their rules for hundreds of years in Spain. You cannot have any assets. Jews and Christians are taxed too much and cannot own more than a single storey building just to live in. Wait until Hillary gets in. She will sell you all down the river to her Arab friends. H666ry the slave merchant. I bet her ancestors were slavers who traded black people from Africa.
linnte says
Illinois has our nation’s largest population of Muslims. CLICK! The light just went on. Obama from there? Hiding in plain sight again! Once a State sets a precedent, all states can adopt this, and probably will be pressured to do so. So, we will have a Government within our Government.
Sometimes this nightmare happens so fast it’s really hard to process! Lord Jesus help us!
Gary Wyman says
linnet
Yes Lord Jesus Help Us
linnte says
AMEN!
John spielman says
Where! s the Hindu American and Buddhist American as well as the Jewsish and Christian Americsn councils, oops forgot to mention the ATHEISt American council
What politically correct BS
JayT says
No kidding, and where are the staunch defenders of a secular state where religion and state affairs shall not mix–the ACLU? Oops, I forgot they have a history of defending Jihadist interests like when they pro bono offered services and money for the defense of Gitmo detainees.
I guess at the ACLU headquarters it’s more of a motto, “No religious overtones in government affairs from any religion. Except the one true religion, Inshallah.”
cs says
WHY IS THAT? US doesn’t need it, this guy needs a new brain, that is all, must be a DEM.
Polk1970 says
This would not move beyond a BAD idea if not for TWO Men,Illinois House Speaker and Illinois State Democratic BOSS(Chairman), Michael Madigan,who’s been in the Illinois House since 1969.
That’s right
Nineteen Sixty Nine
The other is Illinois Senate President and Democratic Leader John Cullerton,Obama’s former Illinois Senate LEADER
oh,and both inherited their Power from their families,Madigan in Chicago’s 13th Ward and Cullerton in the 38th Ward.
That’s The Democratic Machine for all to see.
Veronika N says
Why do you think they call Cook County —-CROOK COUNTY, Illinois??!!! Its been that way for so many years, its the norm. I’m glad I no longer live in Illinois.
particolor says
WTF is a Muslim – American ??
Its like having Bubonic Plague and Importing FLEE’S 🙁 🙁
Angemon says
“Muslim-American Advisory Council” – meaning a council of muslims advising Americans on how to treat them. What could possibly go wrong, said the farmer when he had the fox guarding the henhouse?
Look at the f***ing name – “Muslim-American”. As if we needed more evidence that being (devoutly) muslim is mutually exclusive with being American…
cs says
Yes, a special kind of SNOWFLAKE.
jihad3tracker says
MORE EVIDENCE OF CONSTANT DAILY STEALTH JIHAD — POLITICAL PRESSURE DONE BY MUSLIMS LIKE CAIR.
THEY WEAR DOWN OUR CLUELESS AMERICAN PRIVILEGE-GUILT MORONS, WHO GIVE UP UNDER THE PRESSURE..
Please — all of you who have elected representatives in Illinois — senators or representatives — email them and give as much reality as possible about the true agenda of bloodthirsty “god’ Allah.
AND, CONTACT YOUR CITY’S TELEVISION STATIONS —–
There is often a Tip Line getting past the typical wall of egotistical personalities over to a reporter who might not yet have swallowed fantasy regarding Islam..Make the subject line something like “What radical Muslims really want to do an advisory council”.
Polk1970 says
You can’t trust Illinois Media.
For example,The Chicago Tribune ,formerly “The Voice of Midwestern Republicanism”is now a Left-Wing Progressive Media Giant,owning newspapers,radio stations,and TV stations including WGN-TV-Cable Superstation.
Bob says
We should try to get breitbart to publish the info. They criticize Obama’s motives, publish stories about islam snd referenced Robert Spencer before because they know what a threat it is to US. They have a larger reader base than ncc, fox, cnn etc yet they aren’t considered mainstream since they are a conservative source and they don’t keep things hidden about islam and isis. I bet they would publish this
Thomas says
Although my assessment of the situation was that this would not be long in coming, I had hoped I was old enough that I might not actually see it.
Atheist kaffur says
Okay the USA is starting to freak me out. I listen and read about a lot of things that are going on in the US. I also listen to Alex Jones. Yes I know conspiracy theorist. I the way I see it it’s only a conspiracy theory if the facts don’t fit the theory. Alex Jones may be entertaining and passionate but the news reports are the news reports. He doesn’t make it up. What I really fear for the USA is a false flag or real attack by Isis that will give Obummer the pretext to call a state of emergency and cancel the election and put a hit on Trump. Obummer’s irritation at Trump was visible and direct. Like if Trump got between him and his plans. This was my gut feeling. The future doesn’t belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam. What the hell does that mean. I guess I understand now.
Steve Klein says
The late Osama bin Laden is right. “When people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature, they will like the strong horse.” Following the 9/11/2001 attacks, Ft. Hood mass-shootings, Boston Marathon bombings, San Bernardino murders, Orlando mass-murders, and many other atrocities and thwarted atrocities, sadly Americans are beginning to see Islam as the strong horse by comparison to our pusillanimous leaders. I am not talking about Mr. Obama; he is doing what he was born to do. I am talking about our weak Republican leaders like Speaker Ryan and other weak horses.
Northern Virginiastan says
Muslim Action Day = MAD??!!
robert galluzzo says
Way to go Illinois!!
Ed Lee says
I am sick and tired of hearing about hyphenated Americans. Muslim-Americans, African-Americans, Jewish-Americans, and all the others. Either you’re an American or you’re not. It has nothing to do with your race, country of origin, or native language. If you have the American attitude – that we and our predecessors have worked our butts off for the past 400 years to build something different and better than the rest of the world – then you’re an American. Otherwise, you’re not, and I have no use for you.
David says
This council will fall apart in time! And be egg on the persons faces…
Hope says
I just sent an email to the Illinois governor, Bruce Rauner. I would encourage everyone to do the same, for what it’s worth.
Keys says
This MAAC (Muslim American Advisory Council) would be a public body subject to the open meetings act; a foot in the door for an expansion of their influence and powers requiring time, energy, and resources.
Why can they not work through their governmental representatives like the rest of us? Have Christians, Mormons, Atheists, Shinto, Hindus, Bhuddists, and other religious groups asked for special accommodations or understanding?
Do Muslims get special privledges in our Democracy because they can not adapt to American culture? Is their goal to impose their culture on all of us, rather than blend with and tolerate other cultures in our country?
Is their attitude “You Americans must adapt to our culture”, rather than “we Muslims can and will adapt to your culture”?
billybob says
I think it would be a good idea if they enlisted the Muslim community for the purpose of surveillance, not civic engagement, like the lady Howda Hoda said. That is the best way Muslims could serve their community – by tipping the police off about people like Mateen before they strike.
Keys says
There is more to this. This Illinois Muslim American Advisory Council is, or has developed a booklet for Illinois employers, “Islamic Cultural Sensitivity Guide”.
Will employers be required to adapt their businesses to this ? Just a step away from a bill for them to do so. Who will oppose it and lose Muslim votes?
This group has met in the past and has minutes available on line.
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/MAAC/Pages/default.aspx
The sensitivity guide for state of Illinois public emplyees is also available as well as other statements.
http://www.illinois.gov/gov/MAAC/Documents/maac_cultural_sensitivity_guide.pdf
This can not stand, unless public employees are also required to adapt to Catholic, Mormon, Bhuddist, Atheist, Baptist, etc, etc, etc. “sensitivities”. Ridiculous.
SBJ says
More Muslim privilege. Always the victims…until they victimize.
linnte says
And that Hawa guy at the end of the article doesn’t even trust the motives of the initiator of this “Counsel”, saying he hopes it isn’t to (basically spy) on Muslims. Muslims against Muslims always.
colony14 says
A White Taxpayer Advisory Council might be a good idea.
UNCLE VLADDI says
If white non-muslims (Donald Trump included) are such “racists,” why don’t we ever randomly pick on Hindus?!
Genetically, the “swarthy” Indians are the exact same “race” as their Pakistani “muslim” cousins!
(Yes it’s a rhetorical question! We of course don’t simply because Hindus are peaceful and civilized, while “muslims” are murderous criminals who feel it’s their “god”-given right to extort, enslave, and murder us all)!
jamesmi says
My advice – ban Islam, as Angola, China, and Japan have done or are doing. Then there won’t be any need for Muslim advisory councils.
Greg Williams says
Rauner, dont you dare sign that bill, itll lead to nothing but a vile, evil distator!
Delvia Leoni says
A Muslim Advisory Council is not needed because Muslims should assimilate and become members of our communities. They should not stay apart as separatists and require special treatment. Our elected senators, representatives, alderman, city council and city commission represent all citizens in our communities, cities, and the state. If Muslims have issues just like the rest of us, they must go to these elected individuals. The governor does not have a council to lend a special ear to other minorities groups who also have problems and concerns. Our Black, Hispanic, Jews, Oriental, etc. groups all come together as one body to work on issues as a whole which makes us a cohesive body that works together for our community and we elect individuals who represent us in government. If there is a problem to be addressed; Muslims must go to them just like the rest of us. Assimilation is required therefore no special council is needed. We are all Americans and no group should have the governor’s special ear above any other group. That would be discrimination to the rest of us. Governor Runar must not agree to this council and discriminate against other race, ethnic groups. Furthermore, religion has no place in government or public schools according to our laws other than to give God thanks – God Bless America. Muslims should not feel that citizens are not aware of who they are, what they represent and believe in, what their traditions are, or that we might not be sensitive to their needs. Believe me, citizens know and when Muslims assimilate to our society their problems/issues will cease to exist.
JD says
It’s definitely NOT Rauner , it’s LOSERS OBAMA & MADIGAN!!! Rauner has got to stand his ground and NOT sign this EVIL, DISASTER of a bill. Pitch the piece of crap in the trash Rauner.
LR says
The Gov. should tell them they can have their ‘advisory council’, as soon as all Muslims in the western world (and in Illinois) fully integrate into western culture and stop advocating for Sharia Law.
Keys says
LR says: “The Gov. should tell them they can have their ‘advisory council’, as soon as all Muslims in the western world (and in Illinois) fully integrate into western culture and stop advocating for Sharia Law.”
That’s right, LR, because when that happens there will be no need for them to have an advisory council.
Greg Zotta says
On May 31, 2016 the Illinois legislature passed an act creating a 21 member Muslim advisory council, but still is waiting the Governor’s signature. Why would the Illinois legislature feel the need to set up a Muslim advisory council when laws are supposed to be the same for everyone; unless this council wants to influence the legislators making laws that are Sharia compliant? What else could it be? There are no other religious councils set up to advise the legislators so why Muslims? This will set a bad precedent and hopefully, Republican Governor Bruce Vincent Rauner will veto this legislation. We will have to wait and see. Obviously, those legislators who voted in favor of this bill are unfamiliar with Islam and Muslims. This is another example that Muslims will not assimilate into the American culture and want to change it. Islam is a political and military system masquerading as a religion. Sharia Law is not compatible with the US Constitution. Muslims will use the Constitution and our First Amendment right against us to pursue their goal of World Islam. Muslims can lie to the infidel to promote Islam. Their prophet Mohammed was a serial pedophile rapist, mass murderer and slaver. The Muslim Brotherhood calls for a “Civilization-Jihadist Process,” in which they would destroy the Western civilization from within. Muslims believe the infidels will have to convert to Islam, be enslaved or be killed. They state, we do not want to democratize Islam, we want to Islamize democracy. That is what we want. This is just another step by Muslims to implement Sharia law in America. The people need to wake up. People of Illinois should burn up the phone lines to the governor’s office demanding he do the right thing and veto this bill. Again, Islam is not compatible with the US Constitution and the American culture.
linnte says
Greg, maybe because Illinois legislature is full of Muslims. That state does have the highest concentration of Muslims than anywhere in the country.
Ed Lee says
As so many supposedly “oppressed” groups do, Muslims portray demands for preferential treatment as struggles for equal rights. We cannot fall for this ruse, or allow our legislators to.
Keys says
Greg, free lobbying for Illinois Muslims at taxpayer expense.
MICHAEL SIMMONS says
WE DO NOT WANT SHARIA LAW IN AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!