John Wayne (@JohnWayne97)

What happened to North Carolina? North Carolina’s governor just told every resident to observe Ramadan. Governor Josh Stein issued an official state proclamation recognizing Ramadan and went further than simple acknowledgment. T he document declares that Islamic traditions and values “serve as an inspiration and reflection” for millions and that the Muslim community will celebrate “the revelation of the Quran and its teachings.” It then states: “I am proud to recognize the contributions of Muslim-Americans” and ends by proclaiming the dates as Ramadan “and commend its observance to all residents.” A government proclamation that praises a religion’s teachings as inspiration and then urges the entire population to observe it is not neutral recognition. It is the state putting its official seal behind specific religious claims and practices. The First Amendment was written to prevent exactly this kind of entanglement. North Carolinians should decide whether their governor’s job includes promoting religious observance or simply protecting the right of every citizen to practice or not practice any faith freely. #NorthCarolina #JoshStein