Skip to main content

Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook will 'fight to protect' Muslim rights

Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook will 'fight to protect' Muslim rights

Share this story

David Ramos/Getty Images

Mark Zuckerberg says that Muslims will always be welcome on Facebook, and that Muslim users should expect for Facebook to "fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you." Zuckerberg's comments come two days after the leading Republican presidential candidate called for a ban on Muslims entering the US. The racist policy proposal, though widely condemned, has emboldened existing prejudices against the Muslim community. "As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities," Zuckerberg writes. "Even if an attack isn't against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone."

Though Zuckerberg isn't about to alter national policy with a Facebook post, Facebook's clear support of Muslims will play a big role in setting the tone of online discourse. It's something that Google's Eric Schmidt called for just two days ago, writing in a New York Times op-ed that leaders in both government and technology need to keep the internet safe from hate and harassment. "We need leaders to use the new power of technology to allow us to broaden our horizons as individuals, and in the process broaden the horizons of our society," he wrote. Zuckerberg's pledge to keep Facebook a safe place for Muslims is very much a step in that direction.

I want to add my voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world.After the Paris attacks and hate...

Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday, December 9, 2015