Two legislators left the floor of the Washington state House of Representatives during an opening prayer by a Muslim religious leader, one calling it "an issue of patriotism."
Republicans Louis McMahan and Cary Condotta went to the back of the chamber during the invocation Monday by Mohamad Joban, imam of the Islamic Center of Olympia.
"We open this session of House of Representatives in the name of Allah, the one God of Abraham, God of Moses, God of Jesus, and God of Mohammed, peace be upon them all," Joban said.
"We ask Allah or God to bless the state of Washington so it may continue to prosper and become a symbol of peace and tranquility for people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. We pray that Allah may guide this House in making good decisions for the people of Washington.
"At this time, we also pray that America may succeed in the war against terrorism. We pray to God that the war may end with world peace and tranquility."
Attendance is spotty for the daily prayer, which is given at the opening of each Senate and House floor session by someone selected from a broad range of clergy by Associated Ministries of Thurston County.
Condotta said he was talking to another lawmaker and "let's just say I wasn't particularly interested" in the prayer. He would not elaborate.
McMahan said she did not oppose having a Muslim deliver the prayer but did not remain in the chamber because "the religion is the focal point of the hate-America sentiment in the world."
"It's an issue of patriotism," she said. "The Islamic religion is so . . . part-and-parcel with the attack on America. I just didn't want to be there, be a part of that.
"Even though the mainstream Islamic religion doesn't profess to hate America, nonetheless it spawns the groups that hate America," she said.
Kathy Erlandson, director of the ministerial group, said she was disappointed but not surprised.
"It makes me embarrassed to know that some of our legislators can't even treat someone with that common respect," she said. "He's an American citizen and he's praying for their work, then how can it be an act of patriotism to walk away?"
Joban said the walkout reflected ignorance.
"They're unable to distinguish between Islam as religion and way of life, and bad Muslims," he said. "Even if half of them leave, it's OK for me," he added. "As a Muslim we have to respect what people believe and ... we have to forgive something because of ignorance.
"The holy Quran says that (one should) always respond to bad action with good and those who used to be enemies become friends."