Civil rights group thanks lawmakers, advocates who championed justice, civil rights and dignity for Maryland’s Muslim and marginalized communities
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today marked the end of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with the release of its annual legislative round-up highlighting key advocacy efforts, policy victories, ongoing work in progress, and the growing power of Muslim civic engagement in Annapolis.
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session came to a close with Sine Die on Monday, April 13. As CAIR Maryland reflects on 90 days of sustained advocacy, the civil rights organization extends its gratitude to lawmakers, advocates, interfaith allies, students, faith leaders and community partners who worked alongside CAIR to advance justice, protect civil liberties, defend human rights and build long-term power for meaningful change.
SEE: 2026 CAIR Maryland Legislative Round-Up
This session saw the historic launch of Maryland’s Legislative Muslim Caucus, formally announced during the annual Maryland Muslim Lobby Day in Annapolis. Together with broad-based, interfaith coalitions, CAIR Maryland worked throughout the session to advance measures protecting immigrant communities, strengthening voting rights, promoting juvenile justice, expanding cultural recognition, and defending free speech and human rights.
CAIR Maryland supported or opposed 27 bills this session, submitting oral and/or written testimony, delivered more than 48,000 community emails to state lawmakers, helped make hundreds of calls, led or participated in four press conferences, rallies and vigils, and joined several coalition advocacy letters.
Among the major victories highlighted in the round-up were the Maryland Voting Rights Act, Community Trust Act, the Youth Charging Reform Act, Muslim and Jewish American Heritage Month legislation, the Data Privacy Act, prohibitions on voluntary immigration enforcement agreements, and protections for sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and courthouses.
During Palestine Advocacy Week from March 9-12, CAIR Maryland joined advocates, faith leaders, students, and community members from Palestine Christian Alliance for Peace, Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore and DC Metro chapters, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, IfNotNow Baltimore and other partners to testify before lawmakers in support of legislation focused on Gaza, Sudan and Congo, Palestinian rights, free speech, educational equity, and ethical investment practices by the State of Maryland.
Although the Palestine advocacy bills did not cross the finish line this year, CAIR Maryland emphasized that the outcome does not define the movement, nor erase the historic record created this session. More than 100 oral and written testimonies were submitted in support of Palestinian rights, dignity and humanity, representing what CAIR Maryland described as the most expansive and prominent showing of grassroots advocacy for Palestine in the state’s legislative history.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“Progress is not only measured by the bills that pass. It is also measured by the courage of students who testify, the persistence of families who call lawmakers, the coalitions that refuse to be silent, and the public record we build together in defense of justice. This session showed that Maryland’s Muslim community and our allies are organized, principled, and committed for the long haul.
“We are grateful to every lawmaker who led with courage, every advocate who showed up, and every community member who answered the call. Whether defending immigrants from harmful enforcement practices, advancing increasingly endangered voting rights, protecting young people from doxxing attacks, or standing up for Palestinian human rights, our movement made clear that justice cannot be delayed forever and conscience cannot be erased from the public record.”
CAIR Maryland reaffirmed its commitment to working with lawmakers, coalition partners and impacted communities to advance unfinished priorities in future sessions and to continue building civic power for Maryland’s Muslim and marginalized communities.
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com