Merrick Garland dismisses discrimination claims against Catholics as ‘absurd’.
Attorney General Merrick Garland Rejects Claims of Discrimination Against Catholics
During a hearing on Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland vehemently dismissed allegations that the Department of Justice has discriminated against certain Catholics, describing the idea as “absurd.” His response came after Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) raised concerns about an internal FBI memo that targeted “radical-traditionalist Catholics.”
Unanswered Questions for Merrick Garland About the Biden Investigations
Van Drew asked Garland directly, “Do you agree that traditional Catholics are violent extremists, yes or no?” Prior to this question, Van Drew expressed his grievances about perceived political bias within the DOJ, to which Garland attempted to respond before addressing the issue regarding Catholics.
Garland responded to Van Drew, saying, “I have no idea what ‘traditional’ means in this context.”
The controversial memo contained a definition provided by an unspecified analyst for “radical-traditionalist Catholics.” It described them as a “small minority of overall Roman Catholic adherents” who hold “disdain” for popes elected after the Second Vatican Council and frequently adhere to ideologies such as anti-Semitism, anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ, and white supremacy.
When pressed further by Van Drew, Garland expressed his outrage, stating, “The idea that someone with my family background would discriminate against any religion is so outrageous, so absurd, it’s hard to even answer your question.” He began the hearing by sharing that his grandmother fled religious persecution in Europe and emphasized the importance of religious freedom in the United States.
Van Drew continued to highlight the Richmond memo, which outlined opportunities for the FBI to address threats of violent extremism from individuals subscribing to the “radical-traditionalist Catholic” ideology. This included engaging with church leaders and potentially enlisting them as “tripwires” to detect potential threats.
The memo received widespread criticism from advocates of religious freedom, who argued that it infringed upon First Amendment rights. FBI Director Christopher Wray retracted the memo and initiated an investigation into its origins. The current status of the investigation remains undisclosed.
Van Drew confronted Garland, stating, “It was your FBI that did this. It was your FBI that was sending undercover agents into Catholic churches.”
Garland responded, “Both I and the director of the FBI have expressed our dismay regarding that memo.”
In response to further questioning from Van Drew, Garland affirmed, “Catholics are not extremists.”
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What does Attorney General Garland’s firm rejection of discrimination against Catholics reflect about the department’s commitment to fairness and equality under the law
To Van Drew’s question by saying, “Absolutely not. No. And I would never characterize traditional Catholics, per se, as violent extremists. I can’t imagine circumstances in which I would do that.” He emphasized that the FBI memo in question was an internal document that does not reflect the department’s official view. Garland further stated, “It is essential that we not inappropriately apply labels to entire groups of people based on the actions of a few.”
Garland’s remarks come in the wake of concerns raised by Republican lawmakers about potential bias within the Department of Justice under the Biden administration. They argue that certain religious groups, including Catholics, may be targeted unfairly.
However, Garland emphasized the importance of considering each specific case individually and not making broad generalizations. He assured the committee that the department is committed to upholding civil rights and religious freedom, stating, “We will not tolerate bias, discrimination, or targeted enforcement against any individual or group based on their faith or religious beliefs.”
The Attorney General’s firm rejection of discrimination against Catholics reflects the department’s commitment to fairness and equality under the law. It is crucial to address any potential biases or concerns regarding religious discrimination within the justice system promptly and transparently.
This exchange highlights the ongoing debate about the role of political bias in law enforcement agencies and the need for accountability. While it is essential to guard against any potential discrimination, it is equally important to avoid making sweeping accusations based on isolated incidents or internal communications.
As the head of the Department of Justice, Garland is tasked with ensuring that the law is applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. His strong denial of discrimination against Catholics demonstrates the commitment of the department to impartiality and the protection of individual rights.
In conclusion, Attorney General Merrick Garland’s rejection of claims of discrimination against Catholics is a clear message that the Department of Justice is committed to upholding religious freedom and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all individuals. It is important to address any concerns or allegations of bias promptly and transparently to maintain the public’s trust in the justice system.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
