Tulsa World: Poll shows majority of Oklahomans have unfavorable view of Islam
By Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World
A majority of Oklahomans believe Islam is a violent religion that is far removed from Christianity, the most recent Oklahoma Poll found.
The survey, taken before voters overwhelmingly approved a state question banning Islamic Shariah law from state courts, revealed that fewer than one-quarter of Oklahomans have a favorable opinion of the Muslim religion.
Fifty-eight percent said Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence, and 61 percent said Muslims don't worship the same God as Christians.
More than half agreed that Muslims should have the same rights as others to build houses of worship in local communities. However, 36 percent said local communities should have the right to prevent construction of houses of worship if they do not want them.
"I'm leery of any group that wants to kill Americans," said poll respondent Janie Lloyd of Fort Gibson.
