Source: The Spokesman-Review

Idaho’s legislative leaders deserve credit for turning what could have been a purely anti-Islam event into an educational one.

On Thursday, law enforcement officials and refugee resettlement and faith leaders will hold a presentation on Islamic issues in one area of the Capitol to balance expected fear-mongering from two speakers in the auditorium.

Initially, two anti-Islam speakers reserved the auditorium and invited lawmakers to attend. If history is any judge, speakers Shahram Hadian, a Chattaroy-based pastor and former Muslim, and Christopher Holton, vice president of the Center for Security Policy, a fear-peddling group, will perform their “culture of death” routine, while trying to persuade lawmakers that terrorist cells are preparing to spring Islam-based Shariah law on Idaho.

Yes, they believe it’s possible for Muslims to succeed in an area where many Christians have failed: imposing religiously based laws despite the U.S. Constitution. It’s preposterous, but the fear was widespread enough to force a special legislative session on Idaho’s sovereignty.

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