Dear CAIR-Philadelphia Supporter,
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. HB 2029 is part of a larger “American Laws for American Courts” (ALAC) movement created by the American Public Policy Alliance (APPA) to guard against “the infiltration and incursion of foreign laws and foreign legal doctrines, especially Islamic Shariah Law.”
ALAC bills have been introduced in over 23 states thus far.
Make no mistake: the ALAC movement purports to target “Shariah law” but, in actuality, the ALAC movement seeks to demonize Islam itself and all Muslims. The purported author of the model ALAC legislation has been reported to have previously called for a “war against Islam,” has attempted to criminalize adherence to the Muslim faith, and to have advocated for a ban on all Muslim immigration.
CAIR-Philadelphia is working hard to ensure that HB 2029 never becomes law in Pennsylvania.
- CAIR-Philadelphia has prepared a Memorandum in Opposition to House Bill 2029, and we are mailing a hard copy of this memorandum to every member of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee which is currently considering HB 2029.
- As a result of our media work, the bill has garnered significant negative media attention.
- We also worked with the Arab-American Community Development Corporation to prepare a resolution to be presented to Philadelphia City Council. The resolution, which condemns the bill, passed unanimously today.
- Mark your calendars for February 27th. CAIR-Philadelphia will be hosting a panel discussion and Q & A session at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Sharia. The event will be free, open to the public and broadcasted.
Finally, I need you to become educated about HB 2029 and its threat to our religious freedom. I also need you to support CAIR-Philadelphia and our work by attending our 6th annual banquet. Please register soon, and I hope to see you there.
Together, we can win this fight.
Sincerely,
Amara S. Chaudhry, Esq.
CAIR Philadelphia Civil Rights Director
