John R. Bennett
| Representative John R. Bennett | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 2nd district | |
|
Assumed office 2010 | |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Sallisaw, Oklahoma |
| Profession | retired U.S. Marine, business owner |
| Religion | Baptist |
John R. Bennett is a U.S. politician from the state of Oklahoma. Bennett currently serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on behalf of District 2, in eastern Oklahoma.
Early life and career
John R. Bennett is a former U.S. Marine and the current owner of a storm shelter business.[1]
Political career
Bennett was first elected to the Oklahoma Legislature in 2010.[1]
He is the author of legislation to allow freedom of religious expression in schools.[2]
At an event with constituents in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, on September 15, 2014, Bennett referred to Islam as "a cancer in our nation that needs to be cut out."[3]
Controversy
Bennett came under fire in September 2014 for inflammatory and racist remarks against American Muslims. He referred to American Muslims as a "cancer in our nation that needs to be cut out" and claimed that there is "[no] difference between moderate and radical Islam." Despite widespread condemnation, Bennett affirmed his stance, claiming that he had read the Qur'an and "Ninety percent of it is violence. And only 10 percent of it is conciliatory."[4]
References
- 1 2 John R. Bennett profile at Project Vote Smart, accessed March 14, 2014.
- ↑ Lanning Curtis. Oklahoma Legislature Approves Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act 5NewsOnline.com (accessed March 14, 2014)
- ↑ Sherman, Bill (September 16, 2014). "Rep. John Bennett stands behind 'threat of Islam' statements at Sallisaw Republican meeting". Tulsa World. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
- ↑ Oklahoma Republican under fire for racist anti-Muslim comments, accessed November 02, 2014.
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