(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., 12/18/18) – More than 70 New Jersey Muslims took part in over 30 meetings yesterday with lawmakers and their staff during the first “Muslim Day of Advocacy at the State House” in Trenton, N.J.
The event was co-sponsored by the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and the New Jersey Muslim Voters Project, a coalition of Muslim organizations from around the state focused on civic engagement.
PHOTOS OF EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNewJersey/photos/pcb.2091522757572349/2091520660905892/
Advocacy day participants focused their lobbying efforts on issues such as legislation to prevent an attempt by this or any other administration from establishing a religious registry and maintaining a child’s religious upbringing when placing a child in adoption or foster care.
On the same day, the General Assembly passed a resolution, introduced by Assemblyman Giblin, that marked the event and commended its organizers.
“This event is about empowering our community, understanding the importance of showing up and urging New Jersey lawmakers to address the very serious issues of a child’s religious identity, and religious freedom,” said CAIR New Jersey Legislative Director Jay Rehman. “The enthusiasm for the event exhibited by both the community delegates and the lawmakers demonstrates the positive impact proactive civic engagement can have, especially on marginalized communities.”
Meetings with legislators focused on the following legislation:
- Bill A461 – This bill requires adoption agency, or court, to maintain a child’s religious upbringing when placing child in adoption or foster care.
- Bill A3077 – This bill prohibits disclosure of religious affiliation information by State or local government agencies to the federal government in an effort to prevent a possible religious registry.
- Bill S2546 – This Bill revises the “New Jersey Non-profit Security Grant Pilot Program” to extend the grant program to include a $50,000 grant for the purchase of target hardening equipment for at risk non-profit organizations.
- Bill A1014 – This bill amends the current “Law Against Discrimination” and makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone if they have been a victim of a crime. For example: You can’t be turned down for a job just because you took action against a former employer.
- Bill AJR135 – This bill designates the month of August of each year as Muslim Awareness and Appreciation Month in New Jersey
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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