(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith is drawing criticism after saying he hates Islam and describing it as a "death cult" during an appearance on the Christian talk show "Flashpoint."
Beckwith made the comments while discussing what he called "radical, jihadi mindsets." He also encouraged people to be willing to "hate again," saying he hates Islam but loves Muslims.
The remarks prompted responses from Muslim advocacy organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network.
CAIR invited Beckwith to visit an Indiana mosque and meet with Muslim Hoosiers. The organization said the lieutenant governor has the right to express his religious beliefs but argued his comments spread fear and cast doubt on his commitment to religious freedom.
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network called the remarks dangerous and said comments from elected officials can contribute to anti-Muslim hostility.
Beckwith addressed the controversy Thursday in a social media post marking the end of Eid al-Adha. In the post, he wished Muslims in Indiana well and said he hoped they would become Christians.
In a statement to FOX59 and CBS4, Beckwith's office said he supports people who come to the United States legally and assimilate into American culture. The statement also criticized Sharia law and said Beckwith would not apologize for saying the United States "should be one nation under God."
The comments continue to draw attention as advocacy groups call on Beckwith to engage directly with Indiana's Muslim community.