(BALTIMORE, MD, 2/26/2023) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded Senate President Bill Ferguson’s (D-Baltimore City) support for religious freedom after Muslim students were rebuked for not standing during the chamber’s opening prayer.
Sen. Cheryl Kagen (D-Montgomery) addressed the chamber immediately after the Christian prayer, upset that the Muslim students sat quietly in the balcony. Sen. Ferguson said Friday that, “No one is required to stand in violation of sincerely held beliefs.”
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“Although the Supreme Court has allowed voluntary prayer at legislative sessions, the key word is voluntary,” explained CAIR Trial Attorney Justin Sadowsky. “Mandating the participation of others, even by standing, would violate both The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause.”
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We applaud Senate President Bill Ferguson’s affirmation of religious freedom for students who were inappropriately rebuked. Different cultures have a myriad of perspectives on the respectful, appropriate way to observe interfaith prayers and create space for dialogue.
“We learn by listening and engaging with others instead of automatically making assumptions about their intentions and motives. Senator Kagen’s unwarranted criticism was a missed opportunity to bolster civic participation among a diverse group of young constituents.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062