League defends first Muslim congressman

The Anti-Defamation League is coming to the defense of Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) after conservative radio host Dennis Prager attacked him for “undermin[ing] American civilization” by taking the oath of office with a Koran rather than a Bible.

The League issued a statement calling Prager “intolerant, misinformed and downright un-American” for views he expressed in his Townhall.com column. Official swearing-in ceremonies involve no religious books, though members of Congress may incorporate the holy texts in symbolic private ceremonies.

Ordinarily “these views might not merit a response. But as a newly appointed member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Prager and his views must be held to a higher standard,” the Anti-Defamation League’s statement said.

Ellison was traveling and could not be reached for comment.