Dana Ferguson | Argus Leader

Sam Caravana / Argus Leader

PIERRE — A state senator confronted members of an interfaith prayer group at the Capitol Wednesday, accusing them of disparaging him as a "racist."

Sen. Neal Tapio, R-Watertown, watched as about 50 people representing various religions while they prayed at the Capitol rotunda Wednesday morning. The faith leaders prayed for tolerance and religious acceptance on what was the Legislature's second day in session.

Members of the group invited Tapio to join them for a group photo. Tapio, looking uncomfortable, stood with them as cameras clicked and flashed.

Then he turned his back to the cameras and began yelling at those around him, "I don't like being called a racist."

The former state director for President Donald Trump then launched into a speech he's frequently made before. He stressed the need to ban travel to the United States by Muslim individuals, particularly from Muslim-majority countries where groups have supported Sharia law.

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"If you don't have the freedom to leave a religion, is there a freedom of religion?" Tapio said. "And that's the question we have to asks ourselves as a state."

As Tapio stepped away from the group he told reporters that the interfaith day was a "political movement."

Those on the steps continued to pose for photos, this time without him.

Around Tapio, coalition members started singing "America the Beautiful," temporarily muffling Tapio's comments.

The faith leaders had prepared for opposition. And comments like Tapio's were the reason they'd decided to make the trip to Pierre.

View | 9 Photos

Photos: Interfaith gathering at capitol interrupted by Sen. Tapio

"The reason we are holding this meeting is because of people who are behaving in ways that are inappropriate," Bishop David Zellmer told a group of 30 people Wednesday morning in a Lutheran church across the street. "We are a people of law and under our law, we have the right to practice our faith."

In weeks prior, U.S. House candidate Shantel Krebs expressed her support for implementing a national registration system similar to one set up after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Tapio also supported the registration system and on Monday called for the creation of a legislative work group to assess the cost of immigration and refugee resettlement in South Dakota.

Aiming to generate understanding for different religions and faith groups in South Dakota, dozens drove to the Capitol Wednesday morning. Once there, they met with lawmakers and Statehouse staff.

And for the first time, the interfaith group prayed together.

"They might not like seeing us here," said Mohammed Sharif, director of the Islamic Center of Sioux Falls, "but we’re going to continue to be here, we will keep representing our communities."

Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson, call 605-370-2493 or email dferguson@argusleader.com