Bipartisan Backlash After IL Rep.’s Remarks On Sikh House Prayer
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India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON D.C.- A House prayer meant to reflect America’s religious diversity instead exposed deep divisions, after Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL.) misidentified a Sikh religious leader as Muslim and condemned his presence at the U.S. Capitol.
The post, now deleted, triggered swift condemnation from across the aisle. Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike rebuked Miller for her comments targeting Giani Singh, a Sikh granthi from southern New Jersey, who was invited to open a recent House session with a prayer.
Shortly after Singh’s invocation, Miller posted on X that it was “deeply troubling a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning,” calling it a violation of what she falsely described as America’s Christian founding. She edited the post to replace “Muslim” with “Sikh” before deleting it entirely. Her office has not issued any clarification.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who invited Singh, responded forcefully. “As a Catholic, I take my faith seriously—but being American also means respecting the faith of others,” he said, describing the Sikh community as “peaceful, generous, and deeply rooted in family and service.”
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) also weighed in, writing, “A Sikh prayer on the House floor doesn’t violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel. Live and let live.”
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), who co-sponsored Singh as a guest chaplain, called Miller’s remarks “deeply disappointing.” The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a stronger statement, calling her post “disgraceful” and evidence of “anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim bigotry.”
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Miller’s track record. In 2021, she apologized after quoting Adolf Hitler in a speech about youth indoctrination. A year later, she described the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade as a “victory for white life,” which her campaign said was a verbal slip.
Ajay Bhutoria
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I stand in unwavering solidarity with the Sikh community and all marginalized groups who are targeted for their faith or identity. The recent comments from Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), which falsely identified Giani Surinder Singh as Muslim and demeaned his participation in a sacred democratic tradition, are not only deeply troubling but also a direct assault on the values that define our nation. The First Amendment guarantees religious freedom for all, and the inclusion of diverse voices like Giani Singh’s in our democratic institutions strengthens the fabric of America.
Such intolerance and ignorance have no place in our political discourse. As a nation founded on the principles of diversity and inclusion, we must hold our leaders accountable—not just with words, but with actions that reflect these ideals. Silence in the face of hate is complicity, and I call on every level of leadership to denounce this bigotry unequivocally.
The AaNHPI community, alongside all Americans, will continue to speak out, organize, and advocate for a future where every individual—regardless of religion, race, or heritage—is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Biden, serving on the Advisory Commission on AAaNHPI.
June 10, 2025