Carrie Prejean Boller Removed from Religious Liberty Commission Amidst Antisemitism Debate
A recent hearing on antisemitism led to the ousting of Carrie Prejean Boller, a member of the federal Religious Liberty Commission. The removal follows tense exchanges during the hearing, specifically regarding the definition of antisemitism and Boller’s defense of commentator Candace Owens, known for sharing conspiracy theories often considered antisemitic.
Defense of Candace Owens and Controversial Statements
Prejean Boller, a former model and conservative activist, staunchly defended Owens, asserting she had never made antisemitic statements. She even cited a Bible verse attributing the death of Jesus to Jews, sparking further controversy. She also challenged the notion that criticism of Israel could be a mask for antisemitism.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, chair of the commission, stated, “No member of the commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue.” He added that Monday’s hearing on antisemitism in America was clearly used for such a purpose, leading to his decision to remove Boller.
Challenge to Authority and Allegations of a Zionist Agenda
Prejean Boller disputed Patrick’s authority to remove her, claiming only President Donald Trump held that power. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she alleged Patrick’s actions were motivated by a “Zionist political agenda.”
Lawsuit and Concerns Over Commission Composition
This incident occurs as the commission, established by Trump last year, faces a new federal lawsuit filed by progressive religious groups. The lawsuit alleges the panel lacks diverse representation, consisting primarily of conservative Christian members. The Interfaith Alliance, along with Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh organizations, filed the suit in U.S. District Court in New York, arguing the commission violates the 1972 Federal Advisory Committee Act, which requires balanced representation of viewpoints.
The lawsuit claims the commission’s composition – “consisting of almost exclusively Christians with one Orthodox Jewish Rabbi” – reflects a narrow perspective that America was founded as a “Judeo-Christian” nation and should be governed by Biblical principles. This, they argue, excludes individuals of other faiths, those with no religious affiliation, and those within the Judeo-Christian tradition who champion religious freedom and pluralism and reject Christian nationalism.
The Hearing and Testimony on Antisemitism
The contentious hearing featured testimony from students and others who reported failures by universities to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, testified about the need for conservatives to actively counter a growing antisemitic movement on the right.
Prejean Boller questioned Dillon, asking whether criticism of Israel should be considered antisemitic. Dillon clarified that while criticism itself isn’t inherently antisemitic, context is crucial, and some individuals may conceal antisemitism under the guise of criticizing Israel. She also questioned whether Bible verses referencing Jewish responsibility for Jesus’ death should be banned on social media.
Prejean Boller’s Background and Previous Controversies
Prejean Boller gained notoriety as Miss California 2009 when she expressed her belief that marriage should be limited to a man and a woman during the Miss USA contest. She has since become politically active, supporting Trump’s presidential campaigns and opposing measures like COVID-19 restrictions.
Future Report and Ongoing Debate
The commission is preparing to deliver a report to Trump this spring. The removal of Carrie Prejean Boller highlights a broader, increasingly heated debate about whether the right should provide a platform for commentators expressing antisemitic views. This case underscores the complexities of defining antisemitism and the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to combat hate speech. You can find more information about the ongoing debate surrounding antisemitism at the Anti-Defamation League.
