Civil rights group testifies on range of bills including immigrants’ rights; students’ rights; protecting , extending funeral licensure to Houses of worship
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded witnesses who testified in favor of House Bill 1460 during a committee hearing last evening in the Maryland General Assembly.
“These testimonies underscore the importance of prioritizing Americans’ constitutional rights above the interests of foreign governments and protecting the rights of all Marylanders to engage in boycotts as a form of political expression,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Freedom of speech is a core part of the foundation of our democracy, and this bill would restore that freedom in the context of state procurement. We urge our legislators to recognize the significance of this bill and to stand with their constituents in support of our rights.”
“We applaud Delegate Caylin Young for his principled leadership in introducing HR 1640, essential legislation that upholds the right to boycott as a cornerstone of free speech,” said CAIR’s Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “We call on the Maryland General Assembly to unite in passing and adopting HB 1460, thereby preserving this fundamental constitutional protection for all Marylanders. By doing so, Maryland will once again demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding core civil liberties and promoting a thriving democracy.”
Over 11,000 emails have been delivered to lawmakers through a letter campaign urging them to pass this legislation.
TAKE ACTION: Urge committee members to vote out House Bill 1460
BACKGROUNDER:
Entitled “State Procurement – Prohibited Certifications – Boycotts of Foreign Countries,” the legislation is sponsored by Delegate Caylin Young and cosponsored by several lawmakers. It aims to ensure that procurement officers cannot mandate that bidders or offerors certify they are not participating in boycotts of foreign governments. The bill affirms the fundamental principle that individuals and businesses should have the right to express their political beliefs and advocate for social justice without fear of economic reprisal.
Currently, the state of Maryland has in effect an executive order requiring candidates applying for state contracts to sign a pledge affirming under penalty of perjury that they do not engage in a boycott of Israel.
The hearing featured a diverse group of advocates, including community leaders, civil rights organizations, business owners and concerned citizens, who emphasized that boycotts have historically been an effective tool for promoting social change and holding governments accountable. Seventeen witnesses signed up to testify favorably, including CAIR’s Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, ACLU of Maryland’s Executive Director Dana Shelley, Jewish Voice for Peace Action Director Shelley Fudge and Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle’s Policy Director Lawrence Grandpre. No witnesses signed up opposing the measure, which has garnered support from various sectors, including civil rights groups, business owners, and individuals who support free expression.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR continues to advocate for policies that protect the rights of all Marylanders and promote justice and equality.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, rmccaw@cair.com