President Trump’s call for a Muslim registry has generated controversy since he campaigned on the idea in 2016. On Tuesday, Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson joined interfaith leaders who announced a national petition for those opposed to the idea.
The International Council for Urban Peace, Justice and Empowerment is asking one million people – regardless of religion -- to agree to register if the government launches a database of Muslims. The announcement came at a press conference held at Masjid Bilal on Cleveland's East side.
Council spokesperson Imam Paul Hasan said the effort was inspired by actor George Takei, who compared the proposal to the Japanese internment during World War Two.
“(Takei) said ‘I will never allow this to happen to any group again, in this country.’ If he can have that kind of moral courage and not being Muslim, obviously we have to be in the forefront,” Hasan said.
As recently as December, President Trump said he supports a Muslim registry, but during confirmation hearings, some members of his cabinet expressed concern about the idea.