In continuing to mark the 2025 International Day to Combat Islamophobia (March 15), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the New Jersey Chapter of CAIR (CAIR-New Jersey) are calling on all Americans to urge their members of Congress to co-sponsor and support the adoption of the Combating International Islamophobia Act (H.R.959 & S.805).
This critical legislation, reintroduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the U.S. Senate and by Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) in the House of Representatives, would create a Special Envoy at the U.S. State Department to monitor and combat Islamophobia. It would also mandate a comprehensive strategy to establish U.S. leadership in confronting anti-Muslim bigotry worldwide.
CLICK HERE: Urge Congress to Pass the Combating International Islamophobia Act and Protect Muslims Globally
READ: Rep. Omar & Rep. Shakowsky’s Announcement
READ: Sen. Booker’s Announcement
In a statement, CAIR New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“We thank Senator Booker, Representative Omar, and Representative Schakowsky for their leadership in reintroducing the Combating International Islamophobia Act. We strongly urge every member of Congress to support this critical legislation and take a stand against all forms of anti-Muslim bigotry.”
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:
“We are witnessing a historic rise in Islamophobia as a global phenomenon. To effectively combat the unprecedented level of anti-Muslim bias incidents here in the United States, we must prioritize stopping the flow of hateful ideologies from overseas. American leadership in confronting Islamophobia will help protect vulnerable communities at home and abroad.”
Key Provisions of the Combating International Islamophobia Act
- Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia: Creates a dedicated office within the State Department to track, report on, and coordinate responses to anti-Muslim discrimination globally.
- Annual Reporting Requirements: Amends existing laws to require yearly assessments of Islamophobia in each foreign country.
- Comprehensive Strategy: Develops a plan for U.S. leadership in protecting Muslim religious rights and promoting global tolerance.
REASONS TO SUPPORT THE COMBATING INTERNATIONAL ISLAMOPHOBIA ACT:
The urgent need to confront and counter Islamophobia at every level is clear, and the Combating International Islamophobia Act offers a strategic solution to advance religious freedom and protect vulnerable communities.
Global Crisis: Violent atrocities against Uyghur Muslims in China, the Rohingya in Burma, and rising anti-Muslim discrimination in India, Sri Lanka, and across Europe underscore a worldwide surge in Islamophobia. Minority Muslim communities in various Muslim-majority nations also face systemic oppression, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect their rights and freedoms.
U.S. Reality: Here in the United States, hate crimes against Muslims remain at historically high levels. Mosques face frequent vandalism, American Muslims endure regular harassment, and political rhetoric normalizing anti-Muslim bigotry continues to threaten the nation’s foundational commitment to religious liberty.
Historic Momentum: The Combating International Islamophobia Act was previously passed in the House during the 117th Congress, marking a pivotal step forward in addressing anti-Muslim hatred. Reintroducing it now offers a renewed opportunity for bipartisan cooperation and to secure much-needed protections for Muslim communities at home and abroad.
Leadership in Action: Establishing a U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia would demonstrate America’s commitment to defending religious freedom and combating bigotry on the global stage. By coordinating policies and monitoring anti-Muslim activities worldwide, this office would help dismantle networks that incite and promote Islamophobic hate.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com; CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com