Member Removed from Religious Liberty Commission After Controversial Defense
In a surprising development within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission, a member was ousted following a contentious defense during a recent antisemitism hearing. The removal was prompted by Carrie Prejean Boller, who stood up for media figures Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, arguing against claims that they foster antisemitic sentiments.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the commission, disclosed Boller’s dismissal through a social media announcement. He cited her actions during the Monday hearing as the reason, emphasizing that “no member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue.”
Boller, appointed to her role by former President Donald Trump in May, displayed a unique stance at the hearing held at the Museum of the Bible. Sporting a lapel pin depicting both U.S. and Palestinian flags, Boller challenged speakers on the influence of media personalities concerning Israel and antisemitism.
Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, addressed the hearing, spotlighting Owens and Carlson for their controversial remarks related to Israel and Jewish communities. Boller, expressing her routine engagement with Owens’ content, dismissed accusations of antisemitism, stating, “I would really appreciate it if you would stop calling Candace Owens an antisemite.” Her comments met with audible disapproval from attendees.
On social media, Boller reiterated her stance against “Zionist supremacy in America,” identifying as a “proud Catholic.” She accused the commission of targeting her due to her faith in a separate post, asserting, “If that happens, it proves their mission was never religious liberty, but a Zionist agenda. I refuse to resign.”
The Catholic Church, however, holds distinct views on Israel, advocating for a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. Simone Rizkallah, director of the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism, emphasized in a recent op-ed that “The Catholic Church teaches unequivocally that antisemitism is a grave sin.”
Meanwhile, Owens responded to discussions about Boller’s dismissal, remarking via social media, “When they can’t win the argument, they move to censor the speaker.” She added, “But they can’t censor us all.”
Owens’ journey has been tumultuous over recent years. The watchdog group StopAntisemitism awarded her the “Antisemite of the Year” title in 2024, following public outrage over her comments. This recognition came after Owens’ departure from The Daily Wire, post accusations of antisemitism related to statements made about Israeli military actions.
Owens continued to stir controversy with her viewpoints, notably during a podcast episode where she questioned historical accounts of Nazi experiments on Jewish prisoners, dismissing them as potentially “bizarre propaganda.” This perspective further fueled discourse around her influence and statements.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
