Decorah City Council passes statement in support of Muslims

The Decorah City Council voted 5-1 Monday to approve a statement calling for solidarity with Muslims in the community and the nation.  City council member Randy Schissel voted against the statement.

The statement was presented by Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center spokesperson Julie Fisher, who said over 200 people signed the petition. 

The statement was endorsed by the Decorah Human Rights Commission, the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms, Ryumonji Zen Monastery, Good Shepherd Congregation Council and First United Methodist Church of Decorah.

The text of the statement reads, in part, "We, the undersigned members of the Decorah City Council, hereby declare that fear will not divide us...and that we as a community stand firmly with our Muslim neighbors."