GOP congresswoman draws bipartisan rebuke over anti-Sikh remarks

Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) drew widespread criticism earlier this month after claiming that it was inappropriate for a Sikh religious leader to deliver the opening prayer in Capitol Hill.

Giani Surinder Singh, who leads services at the South Jersey Sikh Society, a gurudwara in Vineland, New Jersey, served as the House’s guest chaplain on June 6. In his opening prayer, he included the words, “Almighty God … we call you by many names, sir. But you are one” and “Help us remember that we belong to one family.”

Miller, 65, criticized Singh’s presence in an X post, initially misidentifying him as Muslim. “It’s deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning. This should never have been allowed to happen.” She added, “America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it. May God have mercy!” Apparently realizing her mistake, Miller later changed “Muslim” to “Sikh” in the post before removing it entirely.

Guest chaplains from various religious backgrounds have long participated in House proceedings, including Muslim leaders who read from the Quran after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers condemned Miller’s comments.

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), chaired by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), issued a statement calling Miller’s comments racist. “Sikhs and Muslims practice two separate and distinct religions, and conflating the two based on how someone looks is not only ignorant but also racist,” the caucus stressed. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also denounced Miller’s comments, saying, “It’s deeply troubling that such an ignorant and hateful extremist is serving in the United States Congress. That would be you, Mary.”

U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) said he felt “troubled” by Miller’s remarks. “Throughout the country — and in the Central Valley — Sikh Americans are valued and respected members of our communities, yet they continue to face harassment and discrimination,” he wrote on X. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) pointed out, “A Sikh prayer on the House floor — followed by a Christian prayer one week and a Jewish prayer the next — doesn’t violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith or throttle my support for Israel. Live and let live.”

Advocacy groups have demanded an apology from Miller, who has not publicly responded to the criticism. Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said the official’s comments were “inexcusable and contrary to the principles our country was founded on” and called for “an immediate apology for her hateful and reprehensible remarks.” Meanwhile, the Sikh Coalition created an online tool allowing people to send pre-written messages to Miller requesting an apology.

 

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.