06/02/2026
In response to Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith's recent hate speech about Islam, saying "I hate Islam, it's a demonic death cult," and that it is important to "give people permission to hate again," https://indianapublicradio.org/news/2026/05/lt-gov-beckwith-i-hate-islam/ Indiana Center for Middle East Peace Executive Director Michael Spath, on behalf of the ICMEP board, has released the following statement:
To members of the Fort Wayne Islamic community:
Ahlus-Sunnah Mosque
Bosnian Islamic Cultural Center
Islamic Center of Fort Wayne
Masjid Al Hidayah
Masjid Burmese Noor ul-Islam – Muslim Education and Community Center
Taqwa Mosque
Universal Education Foundation
Salaam aleichem!
Warmest fraternal greetings and peace!
We at Indiana Center for Middle East Peace (ICMEP) write in response to the Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s recent deplorable hate speech against Islam and Muslim communities in Indiana, including Fort Wayne.
We want you to know that we value the long and fruitful partnerships, good works, meals, support, and friendships with the Fort Wayne Muslim community and in particular, your spiritual communities.
We know that the Qur’an is consistent with other religious and humanistic traditions in upholding the democratic values of peace, human dignity and human rights, and freedom. Sura Al-Baqarah (2:148) states it clearly: “So compete with one another in doing good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you all together [for judgment]. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.” You, our fellow citizens, together with us and many other people of good will contribute in multiple ways to the mutual respect we have for each other in Fort Wayne, “the city of faiths.”
Hate speech is itself violence that must not be tolerated in a pluralistic, democratic society. ICMEP calls on all elected officials, including Senator Jim Banks and Senator Todd Young, Governor Mike Braun, our national, state, and local representatives and office-holders to condemn the Lieutenant Governor’s remarks.
We appreciate very much the Sheikh Hamza’s generous and gracious invitation to learn more about Islam, with the exhortation that “Understanding is built through knowledge, dialogue, and genuine human connection, not through fear, stereotypes, misinformation, or political rhetoric. I encourage everyone to seek the truth with an open heart and an open mind, and to judge Islam by its teachings and Muslims by their character and conduct.”
It is only through such mutual respect, relationship building, and friendship that we can create together what Martin Luther King, Jr. called “the beloved community,”
With heartfelt appreciation for the presence of our Muslim friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens for their many contributions to our Fort Wayne community. We stand with you as sisters and brothers in a common humanity!
Michael Spath, Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Indiana Center for Middle East Peace
May 31, 2026
https://www.indianacmep.org/indiana-center-for-middle-east-peace-response-to-indiana-lieutenant-governors-hate-speech/
