TAKE ACTION to Urge Lawmakers to Pass Bills
(ANNAPOLIS, Md., 3/17/2026) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today expressed its sincere appreciation to bill sponsors and announced its participation alongside a broad coalition of interfaith and community partners in support of several critical pieces of legislation during Palestine Advocacy Week in Annapolis March 9-12.
Throughout the week, CAIR Maryland joined dozens of advocates, faith leaders, students, and community members from Palestine Christian Alliance for Peace, Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore and DC Metro chapters, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle and other groups and witnesses in providing testimony before multiple House committees in support of legislation aimed at advancing human rights, protecting free speech, and promoting educational equity.
The bills supported include:
- HJ 9: A joint resolution recognizing and raising awareness about humanitarian crises and genocide in Gaza, Sudan, and Congo
Sign & Share this action alert:
đź”— bit.ly/pass-hj9
- HB 1202: Legislation to incorporate Palestinian culture and history into public school curricula and strengthen anti-bullying policies
Sign & Share this action alert:
đź”— bit.ly/pass-hb1202
- HB 1382: A bill repealing Maryland’s anti-BDS executive order to protect First Amendment rights
Sing & Share this action alert:
đź”— bit.ly/right-to-boycott
- HB 1184: Legislation prohibiting state support for illegal Israeli settlement activity
Sign & Share this action alert:
đź”— bit.ly/pass-hb1184
CAIR Maryland emphasized that these bills reflect deeply held values shared across Maryland communities, including justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The advocacy week brought together a diverse coalition of voices – including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and other community leaders – demonstrating growing momentum for policies rooted in justice and accountability.
“We are grateful to the courageous legislators who introduced and championed these important bills,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “At a time when communities are witnessing immense suffering abroad and increasing polarization at home, Maryland has opportunities to lead with principle by defending free speech, ensuring accurate and inclusive education, and refusing to support policies that contribute to human rights violations.”
“I and our church’s Peace Team leaders advocated for bills in solidarity with our Palestinian Lutheran pastors and congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land because we love them and we are worried about them,” said Reverend Melody Hession-Sigmon of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “We left inspired and humbled to be one part of such a powerful larger interfaith witness.”
“This week was not just about legislation, it was about people,” said Jonathan Rochkind from Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore. “We heard from students facing erasure and silencing, from families calling for dignity and recognition, and from Marylanders who believe our state should not be complicit in injustice. Their voices are powerful, and they are being heard.”
CAIR Maryland also underscored the constitutional importance of protecting the right to engage in peaceful political expression, including boycotts, and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that uphold civil liberties and human rights for all.
The organization encouraged Maryland residents to remain engaged, sign and share the action alerts above, and continue contacting their elected officials, to participate in ongoing advocacy efforts.
Later this week, lawmakers will hear from interfaith group of witnesses testifying in favor of House Bill 1455 Break the Bonds Act, calling for state lawmakers to divest state pension funds from Israeli bonds.
Sign & Share this action alert:
đź”— bit.ly/divest-now
Organizers including Jewish Voice for Peace DC Metro, CAIR and many others are holding a Break the Bonds Rally in Annapolis before Thursday’s bill hearing and encourage community members to attend.
WHAT: BREAK THE BONDS Rally
WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 10:30am
WHERE: Lawyers Mall, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
CONTACT: Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore Organizer Abby Cocke, 443-631-0432, abby.cocke@gmail.com
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misiĂłn de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensiĂłn 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; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com