Muslim civil rights group applauds community engagement, rebukes alleged Islamophobic encounters, failure of democratic process
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today denounced House Rules Committee Chair Anne Healey’s stated decision to not bring HJ0002 House Joint Resolution for Ceasefire to a vote despite overwhelming support and calls from constituents across the state.
The resolution has received favorable witness testimonies from over 80 individuals, with three testimonies opposing, and garnered more than 100,000 calls and emails to state lawmakers urging passage. The measure calls for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and flow of humanitarian aid into the region where at least dozens of Palestinians including children have succumbed to starvation due to the Israeli government’s blocking of aid. At least 40,000 Palestinian civilians, mostly children and women, have been killed in the last 160 days of genocide.
SEE: Commentary: Will the General Assembly stand for humanity and decency?
Read House Joint Resolution HJ0002
Video: CAIR Rep Testifies in Support of HJ0002 Ceasefire Resolution in Maryland General Assembly
The Washington, D.C., based civil rights organization highlighted concerns about advocates’ alleged Islamophobic encounters with Chair Healey who, according to multiple eyewitness reports outright refused to meet with Muslim advocates seeking to speak with her on different occasions, and the perceived failure of the democratic process in this decision.
“This action, or lack thereof, not only disregards constituents’ voices, but it is also disrespectful to the personal impact testimonies of witnesses who spoke before the committee pleading and urging them to not ignore the continued assault on their families and loved ones,” said CAIR’s Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “Chair Healey’s refusal to bring HJ0002 for a vote also undermines the principles of inclusivity and fairness within the democratic framework. Our diverse communities deserve to have their voices heard, and it’s deeply troubling that committee members are being stonewalled from the opportunity to even vote on legislation that has generated such overwhelming interest.”
CAIR’s criticism underscores the importance of addressing issues of discrimination and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the decision-making process, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds. The civil rights group applauds all community members who have persevered and steadfastly advocated on this this resolution.
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@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