GOP Rep Branded “Racist Islamophobe” Over Prayer in Front of PA House’s First Muslim Woman

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“On this significant day, when Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds could celebrate the swearing-in of the Commonwealth’s first female Muslim House member—thus expanding the tradition of religious freedom so important to the history of this Commonwealth—Republican Representative Stephanie Borowicz chose instead to deliver a thinly veiled attack on the Islamic faith of Representative Johnson-Harrell that failed to meet even the most minimum standards of mutual respect and religious tolerance," CAIR Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender said.

CAIR-Philadelphia Congratulates State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell; Calls for the State House to Censure Rep. Stephanie Borowicz for her Divisive Opening Prayer

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The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today congratulated State Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell on her election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Rep. Johnson-Harrell -- a businesswoman, community activist, and civil servant -- was elected to the State House from Philadelphia’s 190th District in a special election and becomes the first Muslim woman serving in the Pennsylvania legislature.

Interfaith Vigil to Mourn Mosque Attack Victims

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Join Muslims, Christians, Jews, members of other faiths, social justice activists, allies, friends, and other community members as we gather to mourn the victims of the horrific mosque shootings that occurred today in New Zealand. Please bring candles. Speakers will include…

CAIR Condemns Terror Attack on New Zealand Mosques, Urges Stepped-Up Security by Muslim Communities in U.S., Worldwide

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today mourned the deaths of more than 40 worshipers gunned down in terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during prayers on Friday, condemned the apparent anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate that motivated the attacks and urged mosques in the United States and worldwide to step up security measures.

CAIR-Philadelphia Banquet a SOLD-OUT Success!

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More than 900 American Muslims, interfaith leaders, and social justice activists gathered at Springfield Country Club last Saturday, March 9th, for the 13th Annual Banquet of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. US Congresswomen Susan Wild, Chrissy Houlahan, and Mary Gay Scanlon were present, along with other political, community, religious and interfaith leaders, and imams and representatives from almost all of the Delaware Valley Islamic centers and mosques.

CAIR-Pennsylvania Applauds Church’s Decision to Cancel Event Featuring Anti-Muslim Hate Group Leader Brigitte Gabriel

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The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pennsylvania) today applauded Cross Creek Community Church in Kingston Township, Penn., for its decision to cancel a presentation by Brigitte Gabriel, head of the anti-Muslim hate group ACT for America. Pastor Dave Martin told a local media outlet that he withdrew approval to hold the event at his church after learning more about Gabriel and her hate group.

CAIR-Pennsylvania Calls for Resignation of Local School Board Official Over Anti-Muslim Posts​

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The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Pennsylvania (CAIR-Pennsylvania) today called for the resignation of a local school board member who shared anti-Muslim posts on Facebook and Twitter. The official, Frank Scavo, is the president of Old Forge School Board in Lackawanna County, as well as a Republican candidate for state representative. In the posts, Mr. Scavo portrayed Muslims as terrorists, pedophiles or rapists on his personal Facebook and Twitter accounts during the last four years.

CAIR-Philadelphia Condemns Trump’s Planned Border Wall Emergency Declaration as ‘Abuse of Executive Authority’

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the local office of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned President Trump’s announcement that he will declare a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border as an “abuse of executive authority.” Yesterday, Trump announced that he will sign legislation to prevent a government shutdown while at the same time declaring a national emergency to build the border wall.