In Address to Boston Mosque, Jewish Chief Justice of Massachusetts Supreme Court Vows to Protect Muslim Rights
Last month, a remarkable moment took place in Boston that was largely lost in the holiday hiatus. In the wake of presidential contender Donald Trump’s incendiary call to halt Muslim immigration to the United States, Ralph Gants, the Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, was asked to address the largest mosque in New England, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center. In his speech, which took place on December 18, Gants drew on his legal expertise and Jewish heritage to assure the Muslim audience that the state would protect their rights during this trying time.
“This may surprise you, but this is not where I usually spend my Friday afternoons,” the Jewish justice opened. “I asked to speak with you today because I know that this is a difficult time for persons who practice the Islamic faith in this country. And I am here to assure you that you do not stand alone: you have a Constitution and laws to protect your right to practice your religion, to protect you from discrimination and the denial of your equal rights, and to protect you from acts of violence that might be committed because of your religion or your nation of origin.”