(BALTIMORE, MD, 2/28/2023) – Yesterday, the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) successfully co-hosted its 2023 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day in partnership with the United Maryland Muslim Council, ICNA Council for Social Justice, International Society for Peace and Justice, Muslim Voices Coalition, Montgomery County Muslim Council, Prince George’s County Muslim Council, Justice For All and other organizations.
VIDEO: Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
The virtual event, which saw participation from some 80 state lawmakers’ offices, is the largest annual event aimed at connecting Muslim constituents with their state representatives in Annapolis. Participants urged state senators and delegates to support bills that impact Maryland’s diverse communities. Maryland State Senate President Bill Ferguson was among the many state elected legislative officials to participate in the event and address the Muslim attendees.
Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller opened the event with a message on behalf of Maryland Governor Wes Moore and herself, stating:
“Salam alaikum. On Maryland Muslim Advocacy Day, I bring warm greetings from Governor Wes Moore, myself, and the Moore-Miller administration. I’m Aruna Miller, and I have the great honor and privilege of serving as Maryland’s 10th lieutenant governor. Today, and every day, we stand together in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith. An attack on any one faith is an attack on all faiths. That’s why Maryland shall be a state where members of every religious community may worship and practice their faith in peace free from intimidation and violence. So, thank you for the tireless work you do to advocate on behalf of the Maryland Muslim community. Governor Moore and I look forward to our continued collaboration and opportunities for greater engagement. May peace be with you.”
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“With the support of our partner organizations, this year’s lobby day was one of the most memorable and successful lobby events we’ve been honored to host. This year’s event was especially noteworthy as it had a high level of engagement and enthusiasm. One attendee commented on the chat during the event: ‘It warms my heart to know that we matter to you. May God bless you all and guide you in your delegations.’ – underscoring the significance of engaging with elected officials.
“We thank the Moore-Miller administration for their warm greetings affirming religious pluralism in our state, a message that is especially timely as many concerned faith communities face hate and persecution from white supremacist and right-wing hindutva groups and others. We’re optimistic that the discussions and relationships forged at this year’s Muslim lobby day will have a meaningful impact on policy decisions in the weeks and months come.”
The program began with a Qur’anic recitation by Suhaib Munim. 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.
CAIR’s Maryland interns presented ten bills featured as the Muslim community’s legislative priorities for the 2023 Maryland General Assembly session:
- HB 912, Public Institutions of Higher Education – Academic Accommodations Policy
- HB 96 / SB 93, Youth Equity & Safety (Yes) Act
- SB 27, Criminal Procedure – Restorative Justice Program
- HB 1066, Hate Crimes – Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention – Establishment
- SB 33, Correctional Services – Medical Parole – Life Imprisonment
- HB 28, No-Knock Warrants
- SB 840, Public Safety – Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Fund – Establishment
- HB 13 / SB 5, Hate Crimes – Civil Remedy
- SB 285, County Police Accountability Boards – Investigation of Police Misconduct Complaints
- HB 76, Custodial Interrogation of Minors – Admissibility of Statements
Dozens of lawmakers gave remarks welcoming attendees and expressing their support for many of these bills.
CAIR is urging Maryland community members to continue reaching out to their state representatives and urge them to support the bills highlighted in the lobby day legislative agenda.
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