Top American judge stands up for the constitutional rights of Muslims

Court chief justice has issued a powerful and encouraging reminder to Muslims

The Massachusetts Supreme Court chief justice has issued a powerful and encouraging reminder to Muslims during a wave of Islamaphobic sentiment, stating “The U.S. Constitution is on your side.”

Chief Justice Ralph Gants spoke at the state’s largest mosque, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center. Gants acknowledged it was a “difficult time” for Muslims in America, with the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, igniting a fresh wave of discrimination, hate and even violence.

He reassured worshippers they also were protected by the Massachusetts Constitution and its Declaration of Rights which aims to protect the rights of the minority, of those who are unpopular, even perhaps despised because of who they are, or where they came from, or what they believe.