The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the legislative priorities for the 2025 session of the Maryland General Assembly and reminded community members to register to attend this year’s annual Muslim Lobby Day in Annapolis next Monday.
Scheduled to be held on Monday, Feb. 17, this event is organized by CAIR, the United Maryland Muslim Council, Prince Georges’ County Muslim Council, the IMAN Network, a statewide coalition of over 38 mosques and Islamic organizations. It provides a crucial opportunity for Maryland Muslims to directly engage with state legislators, advocate for policies that impact the community, and ensure their voices are heard in the political process.
Participants will have the chance to meet with elected officials, discuss key legislative priorities, and strengthen Muslim civic engagement across the state. The event is open to all Maryland Muslims, including students, professionals, and community leaders, regardless of prior lobbying experience.
WHAT: 2025 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
WHEN: Monday, February 17, 2025; Rally at Lawyers’ Mall – 5pm; Lobby Day Registration at House of Delegates – 5:30pm
WHERE: House of Delegates, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/feb17registration
Bills in the Muslim community’s legislative priorities include:
1) legislation to repeal Maryland’s unconstitutional anti-BDS executive order
2) an anti-doxxing bill prompted by cases CAIR Maryland has handled of students targeted in attacks
3) Second Look Act to address extreme sentencing and mass incarceration
4) Not on Our Dime Act that would prohibit nonprofit organizations from supporting illegal Israeli settlements
5) legislation to protect vulnerable tenants including refugees and immigrants against arbitrary evictions
6) Maryland Values Act to end 287(g) contracts that deputize local law enforcement officials to perform the roles of ICE agents
7) Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to protect safe locations for immigrant communities such as hospitals and schools
8) Maryland Data Privacy Act that would limit federal immigration authorities’ access to personal information, and more.
CAIR has a long history of empowering Muslim communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Muslim Lobby Day serves as a platform for amplifying community concerns and fostering meaningful dialogue with policymakers.
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, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, [email protected], 202-850-9293