ATTORNEY GENERAL ROWE EXPRESSES CONCERN FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

September 12, 2001

SEPTEMBER 12, 2001

CONTACT: Charles Dow, Director, Communications And Legislative Affairs 207-626-8577

In the wake of yesterday's tragic events in New York and Washington and in response to reports of threats made to Arab Americans in other states, Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe expressed concern for the civil rights of Maine people.

Attorney General Rowe stated: "As we grieve and deplore these senseless acts of terror, we must be vigilant to ensure that the civil rights of all people are respected. The natural anger that we feel toward the as yet unknown perpetrators must not be allowed to endanger the rights of innocent people, whatever their ethnic origin. This is a time for all Americans to stand together, united in our respect for that diversity which is the greatest strength of our democracy."