As Muslims around the world come together to mark the holy month of Ramadan, many do so in fear – fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.

We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry:

From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship.

This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations.

When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk.

As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry.

Governments must foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom.

Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment.

And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony.

Source: UNIS

“Islamophobia is not just a problem overseas—it is on the rise here at home,” said Rep. Omar. “We cannot turn a blind eye while Muslim communities face targeted violence and systemic discrimination worldwide.”

This might be the first time that we have seen a real concerted effort in the legislature to pass protections for American Muslims. Rep. Schakowsky emphasizes that the hope is to address the escalating magnitude of anti-Muslim violence. “Anti-Muslim bigotry is on the rise in the U.S., and around the world, and we have a duty to stop it once and for all.”

The bill was first introduced on October 21, 2021, by Omar and Schakowsky. It passed the House on December 14, 2021, in a 219-212 vote, marking a historic step forward in the fight against anti-Muslim hate. But, without Senate approval, it was never signed into law. In 2023, Booker, Omar, and Schakowsky reintroduced it, citing the continued rise in Islamophobic violence and discrimination.

“By establishing a Special Envoy at the State Department, we can develop a comprehensive plan to counter Islamophobia and help combat hate wherever and whenever it occurs,” said Sen. Booker in 2023. “Ensuring that people can practice their faith without fear of discrimination or violence is one of our nation’s core values, and we must continue our urgent work to safeguard religious freedoms at home and abroad.”

Until the present, Islamophobia remains a global crisis, from state-led persecution to the rise of white supremacist violence targeting Muslims. The U.S. has seen its own surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes. Mosques have been vandalized, Muslims face harassment in public spaces, and Islamophobic rhetoric has become increasingly normalized in everyday discourse.

With the bill about to be reinstated in the House for the third time, policymakers assert that passing it is more imperative than ever.

The full text of the proposed legislation can be found HERE.

Source: Muslim Girl

Bill Finnerty, a lawyer hired by the group behind the mosque and community center, a non-profit called Bayonne Muslims, told BuzzFeed News the recent delay came about because they needed more time to complete a traffic study for the proposed site. The zoning board has “legitimate questions,” he said. No new date for the zoning hearing has been set…

In Bayonne, a city 10 miles southwest of Manhattan, “some people [against the mosque] are raising legitimate issues about parking and traffic,” Finnerty said, “but all the other reasons I’ve heard are basically fear and racism.”

Every Friday for the past eight years, 180 Muslim Americans in Bayonne descend into the basement of St. Henry’s School. Underground, they hold prayers, talk, have meals, and break their fast in the month of Ramadan.

The basement can’t fit everyone for Friday prayers each week, so two separate services are held. The basement has become their mosque and community, one that they have come to love and cherish — but at the end of the day, it is still a basement, and they want to do more with their growing community.

At the last zoning board meeting, in January, the group against the mosque and counter-protesters met outside. Anti-mosque protesters held signs that read “If the Mosque Comes the Mayor Go’s,” while others just read “Trump.” Counter-protesters held “No to RACISM” and “Anti-Muslim Bigotry” signs.

Source: BuzzFeed News