american patriotism

Is this america's answer to something different?

OLYMPIA, Washington (AP) -- Two lawmakers left the floor of the Washington House of Representatives during a prayer by a Muslim religious leader this week, citing patriotism and a lack of interest.

Republicans Lois McMahan of Gig Harbor and Cary Condotta of East Wenatchee walked to the back of the chamber during Monday's invocation by Mohamad Joban, imam of the Islamic Center of Olympia.

McMahan said she did not oppose having a Muslim deliver the prayer but left because "the religion is the focal point of the hate-America sentiment in the world."

"It's an issue of patriotism," she said. "Even though the mainstream Islamic religion doesn't profess to hate America, nonetheless it spawns the groups that hate America."

Condotta said he was talking to another lawmaker and "wasn't particularly interested" in the prayer. He would not elaborate.

In his prayer, Joban asked for God or Allah to bless the state of Washington and guide the House in making good decisions.

"At this time, we also pray that America may succeed in the war against terrorism," Joban said. "We pray to God that the war may end with world peace and tranquility."

Imam cites ignorance The walkout reflected ignorance, Joban said.

"Even if half of them leave, it's OK for me," he added. "As a Muslim we have to respect what people believe and we have to forgive something because of ignorance."

The daily prayer is given at the opening of each Senate and House floor session by someone selected by Associated Ministries of Thurston County. Director Kathy Erlandson said she was disappointed.

"It makes me embarrassed to know that some of our legislators can't even treat someone with that common respect," she said. "He's an American citizen and he's praying for their work, then how can it be an act of patriotism to walk away?"

The National Council on American-Islamic Relations urged Republican leaders to condemn the walkout and apologize to Washington Muslims.

"How many times must American Muslims ask Republican leaders to repudiate Islamophobic hate within their own ranks? Americans must not allow the actions of a few, whatever their positions of authority, to divide our nation along religious and ethnic lines," executive director Nihad Awad said.