Van Nuys, CA – Congressman Howard L. Berman, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement condemning the burning of religious texts:

“I strongly condemn the planned burning of Qurans by a pastor in Florida. The proposed action demonstrates contempt for the principles of religious freedom and equality on which our nation is founded, and does not in any way, shape or form represent American values. It would undermine efforts to build bridges between the United States and Muslim countries, and, as General Petraeus stated, would be used by our enemies ‘to inflame public opinion and incite violence’ against our soldiers and other Americans overseas.”