Fresh off their midterm election victories, New Jersey Democrats have wasted no time introducing Assembly Bill A1146, which creates a sweeping new state definition of “Islamophobia”. And it could land you in jail.
Under the bill, “claims of a demographic threat posed by Muslims or of a Muslim takeover” are listed as examples of Islamophobia. So is “hostility and fear of Islam.”
Pointing out that the Muslim population is growing (Pew projects it doubling by 2050) or that classical Islamic doctrine calls for Muslim political supremacy over non-Muslims can now be treated as evidence of discriminatory intent that could land you in jail.
Bring up that many women are required to cover their hair and bodies? (Quran 24:31, 33:59) That can be framed as hostility toward Muslim culture that could land you in jail.
Point out that Muhammad married a six-year-old and consummated the marriage at nine? (Sahih Bukhari 3894, Sahih Muslim 1422) Stereotypical allegation that, you guessed it… could land you in jail.
Cite the Quranic verses condemning homosexuality? (7:80-81 and related Lot passages) Rhetorical anti-Muslim manifestation that could result in jail time.
Mention that Christians were required to submit and pay the jizya tax? (Quran 9:29) Dehumanizing claim about Muslims as a group that could get you arrested.
The bill gives the state a broad new tool to treat factual criticism of Islamic texts, history, and demographics as proof of Islamophobic motive in existing discrimination cases, workplace investigations, schools, and bias-enhancement decisions.
This is how it all starts. Prepare yourself for the same path the UK already took where Grandpas have been getting dragged out of their homes in the middle of the night for social media posts.