(BOSTON, MA, 3/25/16) – On Monday, March 28, the Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) will join other faith leaders at an evening protest over a North Attleboro, Mass., elected official’s anti-Muslim and racist Facebook posts. The protest is being organized by Murray Unitarian Universalist Church. [UPDATE: CAIR has learned that the official may have resigned, but the interfaith event will go forward to protest the lack of opposition the official received to his actions.]
WHAT: Interfaith Protest of Elected Official’s Anti-Muslim, Racist Facebook Posts
WHEN: Monday March 28, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Outside the Representative Town Meeting, North Attleboro Middle School
CONTACT: CAIR-MA Executive Director Dr. John Robbins, [email protected], 617-862-9159
Paul Couturier, a member of Representative Town Meeting, posted “images joking about violence against Muslims and comparing first lady Michelle Obama to a gorilla.†One image featured a shark, with the caption: “Throw me a Muslim.” Another depicted a gorilla, with the text: “A rare glimpse of the first lady on vacation.”
SEE: North Attleboro RTM Member's Racially Charged Posts Stir Little Reaction
“We are appalled by these hate comments targeting American Muslims and African-Americans, especially since they were posted by an elected official,” said Dr. John Robbins, executive director of CAIR-MA. “It is not surprising that such hatred exists, but for someone to proudly display it publicly and not expect pushback is outrageous.”
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]