Ashcroft Statement on Islam Shows Intolerance, Says Americans United. (People & Events)

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Attorney General John D. Ashcroft has been criticized for comments suggesting that Islam falls short when compared to Christianity.

Ashcroft made the controversial remarks during an interview with syndicated columnist Cal Thomas in November, but they have only recently come to light. According to Thomas, Ashcroft said, "Islam is a religion in which God requires you to send your son to die for him. Christianity is a faith in which God sends his son to die for you."

Justice Department officials say Ashcroft meant the comments to apply only to terrorists and not mainstream Muslims. A department spokesperson called the flap "an innocent misunderstanding."

But …