CAIR-Philadelphia

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Challenging Pennsylvania’s Misguided ‘Anti-Shariah’ Bill

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has led the effort to challenge the constitutionality of "anti-Shariah" bills as these are introduced throughout the country, and CAIR-Philadelphia has led the effort to challenge HB 2029 here in Pennsylvania. More than 50 "anti-Shariah" bills have been introduced in 25 states based upon the model "American Laws for American Courts" (ALAC) legislation drafted by the American Public Policy Alliance (APPA). Because ALAC legislation raises significant constitutional concerns, most of these bills have died in committee without going to a vote. In the end, only five states have adopted the bills.

Read MoreChallenging Pennsylvania’s Misguided ‘Anti-Shariah’ Bill
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Workplace discrimination claims from Muslims spike in York County

Workplace religious discrimination takes many forms, said Amara Chaudhry, civil rights director for the Philadelphia office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. It can be overt discrimination from a boss against an employee or from another employee. It can take the form of rules disproportionately applied to a Muslim employee. But it can also be non-confrontational and almost unseen, Chaudhry explained.

Read MoreWorkplace discrimination claims from Muslims spike in York County
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Muslim Students Association moves forward with cause

The Muslim Students Association is seeking help from the Philadelphia branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Amara Chaudhry, Civil Rights Director and Staff Attorney of the organization, said, “Truthfully, I think that this likely feels like a personal violation of student rights, and there may be some Equal Protection issues in that it appears that the officials are targeting a specific population based on minority status.” However, she said the police were otherwise staying “within the confines of the law.”

Read MoreMuslim Students Association moves forward with cause
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New York police monitoring of Muslim student groups sparks concern at Penn

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said such programs are needed because the job of law enforcement is "to prevent things . . . and you only do that by being proactive." Moein Khawaja, executive director in Pennsylvania for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, remained skeptical. "They call it intelligence," he said. "I would call it an ignorance-gathering operation."

Read MoreNew York police monitoring of Muslim student groups sparks concern at Penn
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Jones and Quinones-Sanchez call bill to ban foreign law ‘mean-spirited’ and ‘unnecessary’

Philadelphia City Council recently passed a resolution in opposition to a controversial state bill that opponents argue smacks of anti-Muslim sentiment. Resolution 120031, co-sponsored by Seventh District Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez and Fourth District Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., asks "Pennsylvania General Assembly to reject House Bill 2029 as unnecessary and inconsistent with our core constitutional principles, and affirming that the Council of the City of Philadelphia welcomes all religious beliefs, traditions and heritages, and does not entertain any concern that any foreign or religious law offers a threat to the law of the land."

Read MoreJones and Quinones-Sanchez call bill to ban foreign law ‘mean-spirited’ and ‘unnecessary’
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One Victory in a Larger Battle: Philadelphia City Council Condemns Anti-Sharia Bill

Right now, the Pennsylvania legislature is considering a bill which is part of a national effort to vilify, stigmatize, and demonize Islam and Muslims. Fortunately, CAIR-Philadelphia is working to make sure that this bill never becomes law. On its face, House Bill 2029, introduced by Rep. RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon) and titled “American and Pennsylvania Laws for Pennsylvania Courts,” is a bill which prohibits Pennsylvania courts from considering applying any “foreign law” which would limit an individual’s constitutional rights. Unfortunately, the plain language of this bill hides a much more sinister purpose – to demonize Islam and Muslims.

Read MoreOne Victory in a Larger Battle: Philadelphia City Council Condemns Anti-Sharia Bill