(BALTIMORE, MD, 7/6/2022) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Inclusive Athletic Attire Act going into effect as law in Maryland.
The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, went into effect on Friday and codifies into law a memo granting exception to protect the rights of Maryland public school student athletes who choose to dress modestly or wear religious articles of faith including the hijab, or Islamic headscarf, Sikh patka (religious hair wrap) and Jewish kippah (skullcap) while participating in sports.
SEE: Student Athletes Now Can Modify Uniforms For Religious, Cultural Reasons – Montgomery Community Media
https://www.mymcmedia.org/student-athletes-now-can-modify-uniforms-for-religious-cultural-reasons/
“This bill was inspired by the experiences of Maryland student athletes like Je’Nan Hayes who had to endure the frustration and humiliation of being benched during a regional finals basketball game because of her hijab,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “It’s an important milestone for faith communities and also for all those who value religious freedom. CAIR thanks the bill sponsors Senator Hettleman and Delegate Feldmark, and all the witnesses who testified to share their stories. Change happened because of their courage to act.”
She noted that in April, CAIR welcomed the passage of the act by Maryland’s Senate.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Passage of Inclusive Athletic Attire Act, Child Interrogation Protection Bill in Maryland General Assembly
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.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/donate
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
END
CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com,410-971-6062