Illinois Senate Resolution Calls for List of So-Called Safe Charities

May 5, 2005

Source: The Muslim News

http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/news/news.php?article=9117

On May 5, 2005 The Muslim News reported, "an Illinois Senate resolution expected to be introduced this week will urge the U.S. government to screen Islamic charities and create a 'safe' list of organizations that are not suspected of having ties to terrorism. Sponsoring Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, and proponents of the measure say the federal crackdown on terrorist financing after the Sept. 11 attacks has hurt legitimate relief organizations by scaring off Muslim donors. They say law-abiding donors fear prosecution or deportation if an organization they aid is later accused of being a terrorist front... The Muslim religion obligates members to donate a portion of their annual income to the less fortunate. Some have opted to give cash and forgo tax credits because of concerns over the government's interest in Islamic charities, said attorney LaDale George of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago."