A Florida congressman is currently facing backlash after he said on social media he’d rather choose dogs over muslims. While there is context behind his statement, many, including fellow members of Congress, are calling for his resignation, accusing him of islamophobia.
Congressman Randy Fine, who serves Florida’s 6th Congressional District, took to X to express his incendiary opinion, saying, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
Immediately, Rep Fine was dragged online and accused of racism by major US political figures and members of the press. California Rep Ro Khanna called for Fine’s censure, saying that it must be done for “morality and decency, not politics.” Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for Fine’s resignation, labeling him a “racist slob.”
CNN anchor Jake Tapper called Fine’s post “disgusting bigotry,” while English broadcaster Piers Morgan called him a “disgusting [expletive].” Megyn Kelly, meanwhile, straight-up couldn’t believe it.
Backlash Followed By Context
Minutes after his initial post, Rep Fine added a bit of context. After all, his post had attracted nuclear heat and calls for his resignation. The Florida congressman shared a screenshot of Palestinian-American activist Nerdeen Kiswani. There, she addressed the ownership of dogs as indoor pets in Islam.
“Finally, NYC is coming to Islam,” Kiswani wrote. “Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.”
Animals in Islam clarified that dogs are not considered haram per se, as many others have said online. However, many Muslim scholars believe that it is not permissible to own dogs inside one’s home. This is due to their “not hygienic” nature.
While many have called out Fine regardless, others, after knowing the context, stood by the Florida congressman. In fact, Rep Fine doubled down on his stance repeatedly. He also responded to each politician and media personality calling him racist or asking him to resign.
“I stand with Congressman Randy Fine!” journalist Laura Loomer said. Right-wing political commentator Gunther Eagleman wrote, “I will vote to save the dogs.”
In particular, Fine shared a “Don’t tread on me” banner, featuring a dog instead of the timber rattlesnake usually depicted in the original Gadsden flag. By the looks of it, the Florida congressman won’t be taking his statement back or apologizing for it anytime soon.
