(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 10/29/19) – On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, the leadership of Pennsylvania’s Muslim community, along with CAIR-Philadelphia, CAIR-Pittsburgh, Emgage-PA, and non-Muslim allies from the Jewish and Christian communities will participate in the Fourth Annual Muslim Capitol Day (MCD) at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
Over 100 MCD participants will visit the offices of their elected state senators and representatives. During these meetings, the participants will advocate for the needs of American Muslims residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and lobby in support of bills that address criminal justice, prisoners’ rights and immigrants’ rights that are on the agenda of the State Legislature.
Said Jacob Bender, Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia, the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, “In this climate of blatant anti-Muslim bigotry, Muslim Capitol Day is an opportunity for American Muslims to exercise their constitutional rights to participant fully in our nation’s political system, as well as to demonstrate their commitment to our countries democratic ideals and values.”
The high point of this day of legislative advocacy will be a press conference and rally on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, with speakers from both government and representatives of different faith communities.
WHAT: 4th Annual Muslim Capitol Day
WHEN: Wednesday, October 30, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
WHERE: Harrisburg Capitol Building
PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY: Capitol Rotunda Steps, 1:00 – 1:30 PM
The goals of Muslim Capitol Day are:
- To raise the awareness of elected officials about Islamophobia stemming from certain politicians and media outlets.
- To encourage and increase the participation of American Muslims in the democratic political process.
- To work together with other groups and communities in building of a more equitable society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or racial background.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Outreach Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, 267-515-6710 (office), 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender, 267-515-6710 (office), jbender@cair.com
