A Muslim-American, Sam Rasoul, was asked whether he represented voters “without distinction between beliefs and beliefs”.

After being asked a question in a television debate among a Muslim political candidate for a deputy governor of Virginia in the United States, critics described him as “Islamophobia,” which gave him widespread support.

Sam Rasoul Is a Muslim American politician, Democratic Leading Candidate In the race for the lieutenant governor of the state.

In the only live televised political debate of the campaign on Tuesday night, one of the presenters of the WJLA TV station, Dave Lucas (Dave Lucas) asked Rasul a question, which triggered a conflict. Islamophobia is widely condemned and widely condemned on social media.

“Washington post Reported Lucas said in a debate held at George Mason University: in Fairfax.

“Talking about your fundraising work, can you assure Virginians that if elected, regardless of their beliefs and beliefs, you will represent all of them?”

Rasul, 39, is the son of Palestinian immigrants and one of the six candidates in the campaign. He replied: “He is proud of this sport. This sport is 100% funded by individuals, most of which come from Virginia.”

Public record Show that since last year, Rasoul has raised more than 1.2 million US dollars in funds.His biggest donor is Manal FakhouryHe is a pharmacist living in Florida and a board member of the American Council on Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. She is listed as donating more than $74,000 to Rasoul’s campaign.

After the debate, Rasul posted a picture of Virginia’s religious freedom laws on Twitter, which the state adopted In 1786, The document isolates the church from the state and ensures that religious freedom is not discriminated against.

“We serve everyone. All beliefs. We welcome you and love you,” Rasoul tweeted.

Joshua Cole, who is running for reelection in the Virginia House of Representatives, said that no one had ever asked him how much money he received from “Christian donors.”

He said in a tweet: “I only want a Virginia state that can be measured by Sam Rasol based on his job performance rather than his belief stereotypes.”

In all the years of my campaign, no one has ever asked me how many “Christian” donors I have.I just want virginia @Sam_Rasoul It can be measured by the merits of his work rather than the stereotypes of beliefs. ?? pic.twitter.com/JPRLcYKfow

-On behalf of Joshua Cole (@JoshuaCole) May 26, 2021

Lieutenant Governor candidate Sean Perryman also condemned the issue.

He wrote on Twitter: “No other candidate is required to serve all Virginians because of their beliefs.”

The chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party, Susan Swecker, said the host’s problem was a “major failure” and the faith-based problem was “discriminatory and inexcusable.”

? Correct. We do not ask Christian donors, Jewish donors, etc. Okay, look at donor funding, but it is discriminatory and unforgivable to base it on faith. The host’s major failure, and he personally relayed it to the host tonight after the debate. https://t.co/kDJ1HS3T9y

—Susan Swecker (@DPVAChair) May 26, 2021

CAIR said on Wednesday that Bill Fanshawe, senior vice president of WJLA, apologized In the email, Call this problem “improper and disrespectful”.

Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of CAIR, said in a statement: “We welcome this apology and thank WJLA for strengthening and taking appropriate action against this incident of Islamic negligence.” “All Americans should be able to participate in our country. Without worrying about being singled out for their beliefs.”

Rasul is currently one of two Muslim members of the Virginia State Assembly and is running for progressive lieutenant governor. platform These include raising the state’s minimum wage, expanding parenting programs, and making health care more affordable.

The Democratic primary election in Virginia was held on June 8, and the general election was held on November 2.