(BALTIMORE, Md., 4/5/2022) – The Maryland office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded Maryland lawmakers for passing the historic Inclusive Athletic Attire Act and the Juvenile Interrogation Protection Act. Both bills are now headed to Governor Hogan’s desk to be signed into law.
The Inclusive Athletic Attire Act 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, Sikh patka and Jewish kippah while participating in sports.
The Juvenile Interrogation Protection Act protects children’s rights by requiring law enforcement officers who take minors into custody to interrogate or charge them with a crime, to first notify the child’s parent/guardian, provide a reason for the action, offer instructions on making in-person contact, and first consult with the child’s attorney before proceeding with interrogations.
HB515 (Inclusive Athletic Attire Act) unanimously passed 3rd reader in the Senate late Monday evening. CAIR testified, rallied and mobilized in favor of both measures, which passed with veto-proof majorities.
“With a push of a button and a stroke of a pen, our lawmakers have fundamentally leveled the playing field and improved the lives of thousands of children in our state,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, who testified in favor of both bills. “No student should ever be barred from competing in sports because of their faith or their choice to dress modestly.
She added: “Maryland ranks among the worst states in America when it comes to juvenile justice. We’re now a few steps closer to catching up to even places like Texas. This progress is long overdue, and we thank the bill sponsors and every lawmaker who voted on the right side of history on these measures as session winds down.”
SEE: Hijab rule keeps junior from playing in regional title basketball game
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/03/15/us/maryland-hijab-high-school-basketball-rule/index.html
In late January, CAIR issued a community action alert encouraging people to contact lawmakers and urge support for it. This act was among nine priority bills student moderators presented as the 2022 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day.
SEE: CAIR Action Alert – Support Maryland Inclusive Athletic Attire Bill – Pass HB 515 / SB 951
https://action.cair.com/a/cair-action-alert-pass-md-hb515
CAIR, Community Partners Co-Host ‘Successful’ 2022 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062