(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/22/18) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded the adoption of S. Res. 555, sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), titled “Recognizing the freedom of Muslims of the United States to exercise their religion and participate in the civil systems of their country.”
“CAIR welcomes the U.S. Senate’s unanimous adoption of this bi-partisan resolution reaffirming the constitutional and religious rights of all Americans, and which recognizes and celebrates the many important civic contributions American Muslims have made and continue to make in enhancing the well-being of our nation,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.
Awad added: “CAIR encourages state legislatures across the nation to take note and adopt similar measures reaffirming the rights and contributions of their Muslim communities.”
Adopted by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate, the resolution recognizes the rights and liberties granted to people of all faiths in the United States, including American Muslims, and the many valuable contributions Muslims have made to the nation throughout its history.
The resolution specifically raises awareness about the millions of American Muslim, who as a community, have contributed to the nation by serving “in the Armed Forces of the United States for generations,” and as “scientists,” “inventors,” “athletes,” “entrepreneurs,” “Members of Congress,” “Ambassadors of the United States,” “business owners, firefighters, police officers, physicians, laborers, service workers, and teachers.”
A similar resolution awaits consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, H. Res. 869, titled “Recognizing American Muslims’ history and contributions to our Nation,” introduced by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and co-sponsored by 25 members of Congress.
Res. 869 was introduced just days before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and recounts the history of American Muslims from the earliest arrivals brought here as slaves through their contributions in the military, architecture, sciences, sports, civil rights, and more.
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.
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, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]