(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 2/1/2018) – On March 5, interfaith partners will join Muslims from across the state at “Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol.” The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), the sponsor of the annual event, says it expects increased attendance this year due to continued attacks against Islam from elected officials locally and nationally.
SEE: 2018 Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol Event Listing
This marks the 4th year in a row that CAIR-OK has hosted a Muslim Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol. In previous years, attendees have been given the opportunity to learn more about state and federal government through educational panels featuring municipal- and state-level elected officials; afforded the chance to meet with their legislators one-on-one; and provided the tools and resources necessary to advocate for issues important to them as Oklahoma Muslims.
SEE: CAIR-OK Focuses on Building Bridges at the State Capitol
Past Muslim Advocacy Days have also been met with both protests fueled by Islamphobia, both outside the event and inside the Capitol building. Last year’s event was marred by Rep. John Bennet’s (R-Sallisaw) issuing of a questionnaire to Muslims asking offensive and instrusive questions such as, ‘do you beat your wife?’ This year, as with previous years, The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma has partnered with the Oklahoma Conference of Churches to provide support from the Interfaith community when Muslims arrive at the Capitol and throughout the day of advocacy.
SEE: Legislator requires Muslims who want to see him at Capitol to answer questions, including ‘Do you beat your wife?’
SEE: Muslim Day at the Capitol draws many interfaith supporters along with protesters
“The goal of our annual advocacy day, is and always has been, to provide Oklahoma’s Muslim community with an opportunity to be educated on the legislative process, engage with their elected leaders, and advocate for issues that are important to them,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “With Islamophobia at an all-time high in our country, this also serves as an opportunity for Legislators to meet face-to-face with one of the most marginalized communities in America.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com; CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure, 405-430-9877, vlaizure@cair.com