LANSING — Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) today issued the following statement in response to a Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church planning a racially insensitive and ignorant “anti-Muslim” event titled, “9/11 forgotten? Is Michigan surrendering to Islam?”:

“I am deeply distressed that an individual in a position of authority and power is spreading such a divisive, misguided and ignorant message. Our country needs leaders who promote healing, community and the celebration of our unique backgrounds.

“I am proud to live in and represent Senate District 12, which contains a richly diverse religious and ethnic population. I stand with fellow legislators and community members to condemn the racist motives of this pastor and those who align with him. Trump’s America may have emboldened him to this point, but the good people of America that I know will stand up against it. I urge the cancellation of this event for the sake of our communities and our future.”

###