Illinois Senators, CIOGC Announce New Resolution to Reduce Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - April 19, 2016 - PRLog -- The Council of Islamic Organizations of Chicagoland (CIOGC (http://www.ciogc.org/)), Illinois' largest Muslim organization, together with Sens. Mattie Hunter (D - Chicago), Jacqueline Y. Collins (D - Chicago) and Rep. Sonya Harper (D - Chicago), announced the state's first anti-hate resolution (SR1748), which specifically recognizes CIOGC and the American Muslim community and calls for April 19, 2016 to be commemorated as "Muslim Action Day" in Illinois. CIOGC co-authored SR1748 with Sen. Mattie Hunter (D - Chicago), the resolution's sponsor.

"CIOGC commends Sens. Mattie Hunter and Jacqueline Collins for their initiatives to protect the civil liberties of American Muslims and we are honored to stand in unity with our legislative partners today to demonstrate a commitment to empower others to take a stand and help combat hate and violence," said CIOGC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin. "Illinois Muslim Action Day will remind American Muslims and communities everywhere that civil liberties have long been the fabric that enriches and defines American life."

Of the total number of anti-religious hate crimes victims in the United States in 2014, Muslims were the second most targeted, representing 16.1 percent of the 1,140 victims (1). Illinois is home to 500,000 Muslims, representing the third largest concentration of Muslims in the United States. Hate and bigotry towards African Americans, Latinos, Arabs, American Sikhs, American Muslims and people of color is real and worsening.

"Illinois has always welcomed, supported and protected people of all races, creeds and religions," said State Sen. Mattie Hunter, sponsor of Senate Resolution 1748. "Declaring April 19 as Illinois Muslim Action Day will take on hate and inspire a movement to restore our inherent American values that all Americans deserve to live free of bigotry, hate and violence."

Representing more than 80 percent of the state's Muslims throughout the Chicagoland area, CIOGC also kicks off its year-round state-wide Illinois Muslim Action Day Campaign in recognition of "Take on Hate" Day April 19, 2016.

With nearly one out of every four hate crimes with a religious bias taking place near victims' residences or homes and 15.6 percent occurring in churches, synagogues, temples or mosques (2), CIOGC and community-based partners will launch multi-faceted interfaith dialogue and community engagement activities in neighborhoods and mosques throughout various cities across Illinois. Through these initiatives, CIOGC hopes to build a stronger unified platform for individuals, communities and legislators to embrace differences and speak out against the epidemic of hate.

"The campaign is an extension of CIOGC's mission to work together across faiths, nationalities and ethnicities," Kaiseruddin said. "Through these dialogues we celebrate what it is to be Muslim but also what it is to be human."

Various activities to engage the public such as Open Mosque Days are planned throughout the year in an effort to create a forum for individuals to meet and exchange learnings. For the Holy Month of Ramadan, CIOGC leadership will host Iftar dinners with church leaders and government officials.

SR1748: ILL Muslim Action Day

Endorses the mission of "Day to Take on Hate" on April 19, 2016 and to protect all of Illinois' residents, families, and communities no matter their faith, nationality, or ethnicity, and that we are proud to stand with all Americans, regardless of their ethnicity or faith against those who preach hate and incite violence. Declares April 19, 2016 as "Illinois Muslim Action Day" in the State of Illinois.

SB0574: STATE GOVERNMENT - TECH

Synopsis As Introduce
Amends the Department of Labor Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the powers of the Department of Labor

About Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

For over two decades, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) has served as the unifying force that brings together more than 400,000 American Muslims in the greater Chicago region. With more than 60 member organizations, ranging from mosques, to Islamic schools and community organizations based in the Chicagoland region, The Council brings extraordinary communities together in cooperation and collaboration to engage and work with the interfaith community, government, media, and the public in general. The Council works to coordinate the activities of the Muslim community as well as provide education, training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations. For more information, visit www.ciogc.org.

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