The Catholic League was delighted with the decision by the U.S. Treasury Department to deny Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam leader, his request to secure an exemption from U.S. imposed sanctions making it illegal to accept funds from a terrorist nation. But the Catholic League now wants the State Department to honor the request by Rep. Peter King to deny Farrakhan a passport. It explained its reasoning as follows:
“Last winter the Catholic League requested the Internal Security Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether Louis Farrakhan had violated federal law by receiving funds from Libyan dictator Moammar Khadafy. The Justice Department responded by saying that it would commence an investigation and promised `appropriate action’ if it was determined that laws have been broken. It is good news that the Treasury Department has now denied Farrakhan the opportunity to receive the $1 billion that Khadafy has pledged. But more needs to be done.
“Farrakhan has met with Khadafy to receive a $250,000 humanitarian award, a gesture declared illegal by the federal government. Because of Farrakhan’s bigoted attack on Jews and Catholics, it is unconscionable that the authorities have not taken more direct action by revoking Farrakhan’s passport. The Catholic League believes that the Clinton administration must do more if it is to quell opposition from the Jewish and Catholic communities. We look for decisive action immediately.”
