Minnesota GOP Condemns Donald Trump's Comments On Muslims

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota state leaders are showing support for Belgium and condemning anti-Muslim talk.

Gov. Mark Dayton ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Saturday, and spoke at Muslim Day at the Capitol on Wednesday.

He was joined by the chairman of Minnesotan's Republican Party, Keith Downey, who denounced comments by Donald Trump and other presidential candidates who want a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States.

Downey said that violates religious freedom.

"It's important for our presidential candidates to explain their approach. But no proposal should violate religious freedoms," Downey said. "It is important to oppose Donald Trump's -- or any other proposals-- to combat terrorism in a way that would threaten freedom of religion, including banning Muslims outright from entering our country, or tracking Muslims and shutting down mosques without cause."

Downey also called on Minnesota Muslims to engage in more public conversations about terrorism and the role of Islam in America.