Civil Rights Group Urges Attendees to Follow Up With Lawmakers to Support Legislative Priorities
(BALTIMORE, Md., 2/17/2022) – On Tuesday, February 15, the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations co-hosted this year’s Maryland Muslim Lobby Day in partnership with the United Maryland Muslim Council, Muslim Voices Coalition and several countywide Muslim councils. Some 200 people registered for the virtual event along with over 60 state lawmakers.
SEE: Registration Opens for 2022 Virtual Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“Lobbying plays an important role in urging our lawmakers to take action on issues our communities care about. The hundreds of bills passed into law each legislative session apply to all of us, and this is a critical way to help shape those laws.
“Each year, CAIR leads this effort with partner organizations to unite Muslim communities across our state on issues of public and mutual interest. This year’s successful event was truly a testimony to the Maryland Muslim community’s growing political power. We thank everyone who helped make this event a success.”
The civil rights group is urging community members to continue reaching out to their state representatives and urge them to support the bills highlighted in the lobby day legislative agenda.
“Over the past 15 years the United Maryland Muslim Council has worked closely with fellow Muslim organizations across the state of Maryland to bring the Muslim community together, creating awareness and opportunities to engage in the mainstream political process,” said UMMC President Shahid Rafiq. “We will continue to work harder to support issues and a legislative agenda for peace and justice for all Marylanders.”
The program opened with a Qur’anic recitation from Howard County student Taha Khan. The agenda included a primer on the Maryland General Assembly, as well as an interactive activity to help attendees learn their legislative district and representatives in Annapolis.
Student moderators presented nine bills featured as the lobby day’s legislative priorities focusing on issues ranging from inclusive athletic attire in school sports, juvenile justice reform, expanding voting rights/election protection, immigration reform and more. Dozens of lawmakers gave remarks welcoming attendees and sharing their positions on some of the bills.
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 Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062