ADL's Role in Fighting Anti-Muslim Bigotry
ADL plays a leading role in exposing and combating anti-Muslim bigotry. As levels of anti-Muslim bigotry continue to surface in a variety of public forms and fora, ADL has produced reports and resources on several groups and individuals whose public campaigns have both sheltered and fueled such bigotry.
The threat of the infiltration of Sharia, or Islamic law, into the American court system is one of the more pernicious conspiracy theories to gain traction in our country in recent years. The notion that Islam is insidiously making inroads in the United States through the application of religious law is seeping into the mainstream, with even some presidential candidates voicing fears about the supposed threat of Sharia to our way of life and several states are considering or having already passed bills that would prohibit the application of Sharia law. ADL's work on countering anti-Muslim bigotry has extended to actively oppose anti-Sharia laws introduced around the country.
Stop Islamization of America
Several groups with extreme anti-Muslim agendas have launched public campaigns that have both sheltered and fueled this bigotry. One of the more troubling public campaigns has been initiated by Stop Islamization of America (SIOA). Read our report at Stop Islamization of America (SIOA).
Act! For America
A nation-wide organization dedicated to combating what it describes as “the threat of radical Islam,” Act! for America has not only become a driving force behind the passage of anti-Shariah legislation in several states, but also aggressively promotes the idea that Islam is a seditious political ideology bent on destroying American and its democracy. Read our report at Act! For America.
David Yerushalami's Role in Anti-Sharia Efforts
One of the driving forces behind Shari'a-related conspiracy theories and growing efforts to ban or restrict the use of Shari'a law in American courts is David Yerushalmi, an Arizona attorney with a record of anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-black bigotry. For more information, see our report, David Yerushalmi: A Driving Force Behind Anti-Sharia Efforts in the U.S.
Geert Wilders' Anti-Muslim Agenda
Geert Wilders, Dutch Parliamentarian and head of the fourth largest party in Holland, has sought to advance a conspiratorial anti-Muslim agenda for many years. He has described Muslims as a threat to European democracies and has built ties with U.S.-based anti-Muslim bigots. Read our backgrounder, Geert Wilders' Anti-Muslim Agenda.
Frank Gaffney, Jr. and the Center for Security Policy
Frank Gaffney is the founder of the Center for Security Policy, a neo-conservative think tank that publishes books and pamphlets that promote the conspiracy theory that America is under threat from Islamization and the implementation of Islamic law. Read our backgrounder, Frank Gaffney, Jr. and the Center for Security Policy.
Interfaith Coalition On Mosques (ICOM)
ADL has also been a central figure in addressing the disturbing rise in discrimination against Muslims trying to legally build or expand mosques across the U.S. Through the Interfaith Coalition on Mosques (ICOM) we assist Muslim communities who are being denied permission to build mosques in their neighborhoods. Learn more at Interfaith Coalition On Mosques (ICOM).