Florida Politicians Finally Talking on Quran-Burning to Mark 9/11

Florida politicians have lagged behind their national counterparts in offering their takes on the Quran-burning event led by Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville to mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. While Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running in the U.S. Senate race without party affiliation, condemned it on Tuesday, members of the Legislature have been generally silent on the issue until Wednesday afternoon.

As a member of the Florida Legislature and resident of the state of Florida, I am outraged and embarrassed that any of our residents would advocate the practice of burning copies of the Quran in a manner of disrespect and intolerance, said Rep. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the state of Florida and the United States of America. And while I believe strongly in citizens' rights to protest, I believe we have an even greater moral obligation to protect the freedom of religion on which this country is founded.

I encourage my colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives to admonish this utterly disrespectful protest and to do what you can to see that Sept. 11 continues as a day of remembrance and not an occasion for outbursts of hatred, added Bullard.

Jones told the media on Wednesday morning that he was praying on whether to hold the event or not, but the event is still scheduled. He also said that he had received more than 100 death threats and was carrying a weapon to ensure his safety.