(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 4/7/09) - The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today commended state senators for dismissing a controversial bill (HB 1645) that would have prohibited Islamic head scarves, or hijabs, on driver's licenses photographs and photo IDs.

For Background, see: Oklahoma Muslims Asked to Challenge Anti-Hijab?Legislation

http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=777&&ArticleID=25749&&name=n&&currPage=1

The State Senate Sub-Committee on Transportation dropped the bill last week after recognizing it did not have the backing of constituents who believed it violated First Amendment rights. The Senate Judiciary Committee also dropped the bill after realizing that the Department of Public Safety currently has a policy that allows for religious exemptions on driver's licenses photographs. Federal and military IDs also allow for a religious exemption.

SEE: CAIR-OK: Religious Headcovering Bill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOjAdnRIctE

"We thank Oklahoma lawmakers for their leadership and courage in standing up for religious pluralism and the First Amendment. We appreciate their recognition of the contributions that all faiths make to the great state of Oklahoma and we look forward to continuing to work together for all Oklahomans," said CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi. He added that some 600 letters opposing the draft legislation were sent to lawmakers by Oklahomans of all faiths.

SEE: Ignorance is the Enemy (Tulsa World)

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=65&articleid=20090404_65_A17_HouseB679035

Hashmi said many people believe the bill was introduced in reaction to CAIR-OK's successful resolution of a dispute over a Muslim woman's right to wear hijab in her driver's license photo.

SEE: Muslim Woman Takes Driver's Photo with Head Scarf (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQHU6JXdCl8

According to a 2004 CAIR review, most states - with the exception of Georgia, Kentucky and New Hampshire - have addressed religious accommodation concerns. Five states - Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, and Maine - recognize some religious practices, while the other 42 states have adopted more inclusive approaches to religious accommodation policies.

SEE: Religious Accommodation in Driver's License Photographs

http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/electionlaw/litigation/documents/LWVJ.pdf

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: (As always be POLITE and RESPECTFUL)

1. THANK Oklahoma Senate Transportation Committee and Chairman Senator Cliff Branan for dismissing HB 1645. Copy to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Senator Cliff Branan: Phone: (405) 521-5543, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2. THANK Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman Senator Roger Ballenger and original author Patrick Anderson for dismissing HB 1645. Copy to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Senator Roger Ballenger: Phone: 405-521-5588, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Senator Patrick Anderson: Phone: (405) 521-5630, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

3. THANK the Tulsa World - for their informative and objective coverage of the issue.

It is important that those who value First Amendment rights make the effort to support the media’s coverage of this issue. Also comment online about the segment. (Always be polite and respectful.) Hundreds of people have already made their views known. ? ?Tel: 918-581-8550?Fax: 918-581-8353??Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Copy to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding -END-
CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Razi Hashmi, 405-248-5853, E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; CAIR-OK Chairperson Lobna Hewedi, E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; CAIR-OK Board Member Saad Mohammed, E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .