David G. Lawson

David G. Lawson^[1] (born October 29, 1946 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania) is an American politician and a Republican member of the Delaware Senate since January 11, 2011 representing District 15.^[2]

Education

Lawson attended Glendale Community College, the Delaware State Police Academy, and Delaware Technical Community College.

Elections

• 2012 Lawson was unopposed for the September 11, 2012 Republican Primary and won the three-way November 6, 2012 General election with 9,547 votes (50.6%) against Democratic nominee Kathleen Cooke and Independent candidate Catherine Samardza.^[3]
• 2010 Challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Nancy W. Cook, Lawson was unopposed for the September 17, 2010 Republican Primary and won the November 2, 2010 General election with 8,370 votes (52.3%) against Cook.^[4]

Lawson's Islamophobic Rhetoric

Following letters were published in the Sunday April 9, 2017 edition of the News Journal after his Islamophobic remarks on the senate floor when he walked out of the Senate chamber due to opening prayer given by the respected members of Delaware's Muslim Community.^[5]

Lawson's comments 'despicable'

Senator David Lawson's comments about the Muslim prayer offered by invited guests to the Senate chamber were despicable.

There is no room in Delaware or in this country for elected leaders to discriminate against those of another race, nationality or religion.

Like countless other Delawareans, I respect and embrace the melting pot of Delaware. My deepest apologies to those attacked by Senator Lawson.

Please know he does not represent the majority of Delawareans. Special thanks to Senator Pro Tem David McBride for rebuking Senator Lawson's comments.

Janice Mink

Newark, DE

Grateful for McBride's response

Thank you, Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride for speaking out about the “ignorant” comments Sen. David Lawson made about Islam. Tarek Ewis, Iman of the Masjid Isa Ibn-e-Maryam mosque in Newark, and Naveed Baqir, executive director of the Delaware Council on Global and Muslim Affairs, were invited to give the senate invocation.

Both Lawson and Sen. Colin Bonini walked out of the chamber for the prayer, and then Lawson returned and gave a speech showing his Islamophobia and Sen. Bonini defended him.

Lawson also said “this is not our Bible.” He obviously does not believe in the one God, because Islam believes in the same God that Christianity and Judaism believe in.

It is time that we all speak out as David McBride did when injustice and prejudice rear their ugly head.

Sheila Weinberg

Wilmington, DE

Lawson ignores his constituents

Senator Lawson, a former State Police officer, needs to be reminded of the important balance the law and liberty plays in our society. His Senate district has over 45,000 people and over 15,000 households. He was elected, like all representatives, on the promise to represent all of his constituents, and at the very least one of his constituents is a Muslim.

His comments in chambers not only offended them, but it sent them a message that their elected government does not seek to represent, protect or serve them because of their religion.

His personal beliefs are his own.

However, when he uses his position to openly attack a group of people based on their religion he erodes the very authority that position represents.

I would like to remind Senator Lawson that last year he ran unopposed. Perhaps this signifies he had thus far represented his district with honesty and respect.

However voters are now paying closer attention to their local governments and comments such as these are sure to inspire opponents to run for office. So I think it would be wise he keeps his personal opinion to himself and instead focus on representing all people of his district regardless of beliefs.

Erica Jones

Newark, DE

Senators 'failed'

Senator McBride was correct in his censure of Senator Dave Lawson's anti-Islamic comments after Imam Tarek Ewis' invocation.

Both his actions and the actions of Senator Bonini were demeaning of their positions. While Senator Bonini is technically correct that they are entitled to their opinions and their speech, as senators they have an obligation to conduct themselves appropriately; in that, they failed.

Regardless of their feelings about the Quran, as Jews and Christians our shared Scripture reminds us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Lev. 19). They should remember that.

Rabbi Yair D. Robinson

Congregation Beth Emeth, Wilmington, DE

Lawson wrong on Quran

I teach world religions at a Catholic high school with the goal of instilling in my students respect and open-mindedness toward all faiths.

I read about Senators Lawson and Bonini taking exception to the reading of the Quran on the floor of the Senate. That demonstrates why world religions should probably be taught in all schools.

Sen. Lawson references some Muslim countries that restrict women's rights - this is cultural and not stated in the Quran. The reference for women to cover their head is actually based on Paul's letter to the Corinthians. The Quran holds Jesus and Mary in a very high esteem. The key figures of the Hebrew Scriptures - Abraham, Joseph, Moses and many more - are also held up as prophets. I agree with Sen. Lawson that Muslims would not read from the bible at "their house," but the Delaware Senate floor is not solely a Christian house - it is where we might hear from the Torah, the Adi Granth or the sutras.

I think if we all come to a greater understanding of each other's faith, we can meet at the "busy intersection" of religious freedom as Sen. Bonini states.

Meg Kane-Smith

Bear, DE

References

External links

• Official page at the Delaware General Assembly
• Campaign site
• Profile at Project Vote Smart