State Department To Allow Controversial Dutch Politician To Enter Country

Government says free speech cannot be restricted by travel ban

MAVOCKE--A controversial Dutch politician who has been outspoken in his contempt for Islam will be allowed to speak at an event in Grassadella despite concerns his appearance may incite violence, the State Department said Tuesday.

Geert Wilders has been invited to speak at the Summit on Equality at the International Center for Justice, located in Wilmington, Trinton. Mr. Wilders was invited back in August, but concerns about his controversial views prompted an inquiry by the State Department, which announced Tuesday that Mr. Wilders will be allowed to enter the country to speak at the event.

Wilders has gained international attention for his views, particularly his anti-Islam opinions. Wilders has attacked the Muslim faith, saying "there is no such thing as 'moderate Islam,'" and has called for the deportation of Muslims from his home country of the Netherlands.

Recently, Mr. Wilders was banned from traveling to the United Kingdom by then-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. But that ban was overturned in October after Britain's Asylum and Immigration Tribunal ruled the ban against Wilders should be lifted.

Mr. Wilders has been invited to the event at the International Center for Justice "because of his unique views on the Islamic faith," the center told the NPF Monday. Center officials are aware Mr. Wilders' appearance at the forum could prompt violence and protests, but believe "free speech is a basic human right."

The Grassadellan government is also concerned about Mr. Wilders' arrival. Secretary of State Jim McCaren, and his deputy Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett denounced Wilders' radical views, but said there is nothing they can do to prevent him from visiting the country.

"We certainly don't agree with Mr. Wilders' views. But we believe he has a right to speak those views, however harmful and hateful they may be," McCaren said at a press conference Monday in Mavocke. Hunter-Garrett agreed, saying "free speech is something we take very seriously here in Grassadella, and while we may not agree with the message that's being propagated, we believe it is a fundamental right."

President Menuhaeo also called Wilders' views "extremist" and said the Grassadellan government "does not endorse his actions or opinions."

Wilders may be receiving an icy welcome from the Grassadellan government, but he will still be allowed to speak at the forum, which is scheduled for January 9, 2010 in Vristo Colonado, Trinton.

National Security Secretary Michelle Gates has promised local and federal police will be on high alert during Mr. Wilders' visit.

"We realize that he is an extremely polarizing figure and a lot of people don't like him and so we will certainly be on high alert during the entire time he is in this country."

Pro-Muslim groups are already promising to protest Mr. Wilders' arrival.

"This man is filled with hate and we will not allow him to enter this country and spread his message of hatred," Ahmed Hadon Hussein, President of Muslims United, one of the nation's largest Muslim organizations, told GBC Radio.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Wilders would not comment on the travel allowance.