Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller is being criticized by Democrats and Republicans for her ignorant comments about a Sikh guest chaplain.
Last Friday, CNN reports, Giani Surinder Singh was invited to Congress to lead the House prayer.
According to MSNBC, Miller, who represents Illinois’ 15th Congressional district, got Singh’s faith wrong in her initial post on X criticizing the prayer.
“It’s deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning. This should never have been allowed to happen,” she wrote. “America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it. May God have mercy!”
Realizing her mistake, she deleted the post and reposted it, swapping out “Muslim” for “Sikh.” Eventually, she deleted the post altogether after receiving criticism.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) called her comments anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh.
“I am appalled by Rep. Mary Miller’s comments—first misidentifying a Sikh chaplain as Muslim, then saying he should have ‘never been allowed’ to lead the House in prayer. Her remarks were both anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim, and they reflect a disturbing pattern of religious intolerance,” Krishnamoorthi said, per FOX 32.
“The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all,” he added. “The Sikh and Muslim communities have long contributed to the strength, service, and spirit of our nation. All Americans—regardless of party—must come together to reject these attacks and stand united against all forms of prejudice.”
GOP Rep. David Valadao of California, according to CNN, said he was troubled by his colleague’s remarks. Valadao represents an area with a large Sikh American community.
“Throughout the country—and in the Central Valley— Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination,” Valadao said.
