Assemblymen Andrew Zwicker (D-16) and Roy Freiman’s (D-16) joint statement on Raritan Twp. (Hunterdon) Committeeman Lou Reiner racist comments September 18th:

“An elected official represents everyone regardless of their religious belief and calling Islam an ‘evil religion’ and a ‘cancer’ is simply appalling. Raritan Committeeman Reiner’s recent comments against the Islamic religion are hurtful, insensitive, and display a disgusting form of hate speech and his apology today does not change that fact.

“The increase of hate speech in New Jersey is deeply troubling, even more so when coming from an elected official. Hate has no home here in the 16th district or in our state.

“Muslim-Americans are part of the fabric of our community and we celebrate the rich diversity of people in New Jersey. Reiner’s values do not represent those of our residents, and he is simply unfit to continue to represent them as a committeeman.”

After U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7) demanded that he apologize or resign, Reiner this afternoon issued this statement of apology.