WASHINGTON –  DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement:

“As Muslims across the world begin their observance of Ramadan, commemorating the revelation of the Quran through prayer, fasting and peaceful reflection, it is a good time for those of us in America – Muslims and non-Muslims alike – to consider the profound value of religious freedom that we all share. Because of that freedom, there are more than three million Muslims in the United States today. They are our neighbors, relatives and friends. They live peacefully in our communities, work and contribute to our economy, and they celebrate, protect and share the central ideals that make our nation great.

“Sadly, there has been an alarming rise of hateful rhetoric, especially in national politics, against Muslim Americans and people of the Islamic faith worldwide.  Republican leaders in particular have suggested that we should institute police patrols of Muslim neighborhoods and ban Muslims from even entering our country. This is troubling, wrong and antithetical to everything our nation has stood for since our founding. The Democratic Party continues to stand for diversity, inclusivity, and freedom of religion. We welcome people of all faiths into our country and our Party. And we wish Muslims everywhere a safe, peaceful and blessed Ramadan.”