Washington, D.C. – Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa yesterday, Donald Trump told the crowd, “Raise your hand if you’re not a Christian conservative,” and then asked if those who raised their hands should be kicked out. Interfaith Alliance Action president Rabbi Jack Moline and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund executive director Connie Ryan issued the following statement in response:

“A candidate who has already proposed discrimination against minorities doesn’t get to joke about discriminating against others. Donald Trump’s comments on Wednesday, whether in jest or serious, are outrageous.

“The suggestion that those who don’t fit into a conservative Christian mold have no place at his rally is not just un-presidential, it’s un-American. Donald Trump has built a campaign around pandering to his base at the expense of others – Hispanics, Muslims, women and others.

“Today we add those of us who are not conservative Christians to the list. Fortunately, the groups Mr. Trump seems willing to cast aside make up the majority of this great and diverse nation.”

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.