Muslims across the country are speaking out against the death threat issued this week to a moderate Muslim group.

More than 50 Muslim organizations have issued news releases condemning the threat, which was left on the answering machine of a member of Muslim Canadian Congress on Tuesday.

The congress, based in Toronto, has been speaking out publicly in support of equality for women, and the separation of religion and state.

Muslims rallying in support of the congress say the organization must be allowed to express its views freely, without fear of retribution.

 "This is Canada, it is a democratic society," said Wahida Valiante of the Canadian Islamic Congress. "We live here and the discourse, whether we agree or not, is a healthy way to go.

"It should not be taken to this extreme that someone should get up and threaten someone's life for saying things they disagree with."

The death threat was addressed to Muslim Canadian Congress president Farzana Hassan and founder Tarek Fatah.

"I swear on 99 names of Allah, if you don't cease from your campaign of smearing Islam … I will slaughter you," the message said.

Toronto police are investigating.

The congress has been threatened before, but never so severely. Members have had their homes and cars vandalized.

The Council on American Islamic Relations Canada said the threats are unacceptable. The council has been issued threats before too.

"We are all part of the same community and we have the right to express our views," said executive director Karl Nickner.