Rep. Conyers: Farrakhan's speech 'racist, anti-Semitic'

DETROIT, May 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., has described remarks made by Louis Farrakhan in a Detroit speech as "unacceptable racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic."

In a statement released Thursday, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee said Farrakhan's "important charitable work" does not excuse what he said in his speech last week, the Detroit Free Press reported. Conyers was at the speech by the Nation of Islam leader in a Detroit church, Fellowship Chapel, last Friday.

The Free Press reported Farrakhan referred to "Satanic Jews" and the "synagogue of Satan" and said President Barack Obama has "surrounded himself with Satan."

"Farrakhan made unacceptable racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic statements, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms," Conyers said. "It was my expectation that Minister Farrakhan's speech would focus on the many challenges facing the city of Detroit. In previous days, he had discussed efforts to revitalize our city by purchasing property and investing in blighted neighborhoods. Regrettably, he used this opportunity to promote views that have no place in civilized discourse."

The Anti-Defamation League condemned Farrakhan's remarks in a statement issued Tuesday.