House Speaker Paul Ryan defended slain Muslim U.S. soldier Capt. Humayun Khan’s military experience after his father spoke at the Democratic National Convention, adding he doesn’t believe the country should add a religious test to the immigration process.
Khan’s father, Khizr Khan, spoke Thursday at the DNC, denouncing Donald Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims and encouraging voters to support Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Ryan has now weighed in, releasing a statement Sunday.
“America’s greatness is built on the principles of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it,” Ryan said in a statement. “As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values. I reject it.”
Ryan previously denounced Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims, saying it doesn’t represent the party’s values.
The Wisconsin Republican went on to praise Khan’s military experience, saying his religious beliefs shouldn’t hinder America’s view on his service.
“Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice,” he continued in the statement. “Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice — and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan — should always be honored. Period.”
The presidential nominee didn’t take Khizr Khan’s comments lightly and said they were misleading. Trump defended his stance and said he is trying to keep the country safe.
“While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things. If I become President, I will make America safe again,” Trump said following Khizr Khan’s plea for Americans to vote for Clinton at the convention in Philadelphia last week.
Trump released a statement Sunday calling, Khan, who died in Iraq, “a hero to our country,” adding he believes radical Islamic terrorists are the real problem.
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