Paul Renner seeks crackdown on Muslim immigration, Sharia law

When it comes to issues ranging from Sharia law to a surge of immigration, Republican candidate for Governor Paul Renner says Islam and democracy as we know it in Florida are incompatible.

Renner, a former House Speaker, acknowledges that not all Muslims want to destroy the American way of life, but argues the philosophy behind the faith is a deal-breaker. He’s proposing a series of steps to “block the rise of radical Islam in our country and in our state.”

“The simple fact is, while there may be people in this country that will live peaceably with us, as a system that will continue to be increased division, increased conflict and increased violence, which we have seen over the decades since 9/11,” Renner said.

“We have to be realistic about that and put a stop to it so that we protect Americans. That is the first order of business for any Governor or any elected official. And that is what I will do as Governor.”

Renner also believes “we have to be realistic and be honest that the long-term compatibility of Islam in this country does not exist.”

“We cannot have long-term compatibility with the American Constitution and with the American way of life, and we see this playing out in Europe. And again, this is not a statement of animosity. It’s a statement of fact. And we have to act accordingly,” Renner said.

Renner supports “a federal ban on Muslim immigration to our country that is permanent and comprehensive.” Terrorists and fraudsters should be “denaturalized and deported immediately,” he added.

He also believes the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations should be designated as terror groups, and says he will enforce the legislatively enacted ban on Sharia law, including ensuring that school choice money can’t be allocated to “schools that promote Sharia law concepts.”

Renner also wants to “prohibit slaughterhouses that do not maintain adequate sanitary conditions or do not comply with our state laws with respect to sanitation.”

Despite these strong stances, Muslims shouldn’t worry about being persecuted by the government.

“With respect to the Muslim community broadly, we would 100% protect their safety, 100% protect all of their rights as we would anyone here in this nation,” Renner said.

Of course, to make these changes, the candidate will have to become the nominee, which appears to be a long shot.

Renner also addressed his position in the polls, where he languishes in low single-digits.

He said there is a “lack of enthusiasm in the grassroots” for U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, citing a straw poll of a little more than 100 Republican activists in Jacksonville as proof of his viability against President Donald Trump’s favored candidate. Renner also said voters aren’t paying attention in March, and that Donalds is simply the “name” people know.