New Poll Reveals American Attitudes Toward U.S. Muslim Community

Public Religion Research Institute yesterday announced the results of a poll (full results) of 1,015 adults completed last week seeking the views of Americans on the Muslim community in the U.S.  The poll reveals that 56% of Americans say that upcoming Congressional hearings on alleged extremism in the American Muslim community are a good idea. 72% say Congress should investigate religious extremism anywhere it exists, and not focus just on the Muslim community.  46% believe that American Muslims have not done enough to oppose extremism in their communities. 49% reject the idea that Muslims have been unfairly targeted by law enforcement.  62% believe Muslims are an important part of the American religious community. 22% believe that Muslims want to establish Shari'a law as the law of the land in the U.S. The poll also shows that there is a significant correlation between trust in Fox News and negative attitudes toward Muslims. Religion Dispatches reports on the poll.