Minn. Muslims to Hold Annual 'Day at the Capitol'
Muslims from around the state to rally, meet with legislators

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 4/04/12) -- On Thursday, April 5, the Minnesota Muslim community will participate in the 8th Annual "Muslim Day at the Capitol." The event will include a 10 a.m. rally in the capitol rotunda.

Scheduled speakers include Minnesota Muslim community leaders, Governor Mark Dayton, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and other elected officials. The afternoon will include appointments with state representatives and senators.

The annual event seeks to promote community engagement in local politics and to discuss issues of interest to the Muslim community with legislators. This year, the topics of interest include Islamophobia, anti-Muslim legislation, photo ID legislation, and gun violence.

WHAT: Muslim Day at the Capitol
WHEN: Rally starts at 10 a.m., Meetings with elected officials 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Rotunda, State Capitol
CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Lori Saroya, 612-327-6700, E-Mail:lsaroya@cair.com

"As one of the nation's most educated and integrated religious communities, American Muslims have an important role to play in our society's social and political fabric," saidCAIR-MN Executive Director Lori Saroya. "It is important that members of our community engage with state and national lawmakers to share innovative ways to help build a stronger America and a stronger Minnesota."

Saroya said a recent study indicated that Muslim voters could play a decisive role in swing states this November. She noted that CAIR's 2012 "Muslims Vote" campaign is designed to empower American Muslims by increasing their political capacity and presence.

SEE: The Muslim Swing Vote (NY Times)
SEE ALSO: CAIR 2012 'Muslims Vote' Campaign

On March 5, 2012, an "anti-Sharia" bill (SF2281) written using a template promoted nationwide by an anti-Islam extremist was introduced in the state legislature. The bill was quickly withdrawn by its author after CAIR-MN organized an interfaith press conference.

SEE: A Misguided Minnesota Anti-Sharia Bill (Star Tribune)
SEE ALSO: MN Muslims Protest Senate Bill, Claim Discrimination (WCCO)
CAIR-PA: Challenging Pennsylvania's Misguided 'Anti-Shariah' Bill

Muslim Day at the Capitol is co-sponsored by Muslim American Society of Minnesota, Al-Amal School, Council on Islamic-American Relations-MN, Islamic Center of Minnesota, Islamic Resource Group, Masjid Al-Ihsan Islamic Center, Masjid An-Nur, Masjid At-Taqwa, and Northwest Islamic Community Center.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END -

CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Lori Saroya, 612-327-6700, E-Mail: lsaroya@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202 488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com