The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and community partners announced today that registration has opened for the 2024 annual statewide Muslim Lobby Day in Annapolis.
Co-hosted by the Prince George’s County Muslim Council, United Maryland Muslim Council, CAIR and the IMAN Network comprised of mosques and organizations representing some 350,000 Maryland residents, this year’s lobby day is themed #mdforceasefire and will be held on Monday, February 26 at 5:30pm.
WHAT: 2024 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
WHEN: Monday, February 26, 5:30pm
WHERE: Maryland House of Delegates, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/2024lobbyday
Schedule Your Lobby Day Meetings in Advance: https://bit.ly/schedulemd
CONTACT: mdoutreach@cair.com, info@imanaction.org
The Muslim community will be urging support for legislation that calls for 1) a permanent ceasefire, 2) an anti-hate bill and resolution, 3) anti-doxxing bills, 4) prohibition of state funds for non-profit organizations that support illegal settlements and 5) juvenile and criminal justice reform protections. The community will be opposing bills that seek to 1) roll back juvenile justice reform, 2) remove CAIR from the Maryland Hate Crimes Commission over its Palestine advocacy, and 3) an anti-free speech bill.
“Participating in Lobby Day provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers and advocate on issues that matter to us,” said CAIR’s Maryland director and IMAN Network Co-founder Zainab Chaudry. “When we work for change in the halls of power, it offers a chance to build working relationships and strive for more just, inclusive and equitable policies.”
“Lobby day allows members of the Muslim community to be visible and have their voices heard by lawmakers,” said IMAN Network Co-founder Samya Mohammad. “During these times, it is increasingly important to partake in dialogue that fosters understanding and opportunities for positive change.”
“Our presence in Annapolis sends a powerful message about the fundamental right of every community to seek justice, equity, and recognition,” said IMAN Network Co-founder and Justice For All Director Hena Zuberi. “Muslim Lobby Day underscores our commitment to these values and our determination to contribute positively to the societal dialogue, policy-making, and community well-being. We too are Maryland.”
“The Muslim community has not only a right but a responsibility to participate in the policy making process in attempt to influence it toward the fairest and most humane outcomes possible,” said IMAN Network Co-founder and Prince George’s County Muslim Council President Jameel Johnson.
“UMMC is cosponsoring this lobby day to make our communities’ voices heard,” said United Maryland Muslim Council President Dr. Shahid Rafiq. “I encourage everyone to register and be part of this event.”
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, rmccaw@cair.com