(COLUMBUS, OH – 10/20/23) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the derogatory and offensive comments directed at State Representative Munira Abdullahi, Ohio’s first and only female Muslim legislator. Representative Abdullahi, a respected member of the Ohio House, was subject to harmful comments following her lone dissent on a recent symbolic resolution expressing support for Israel.
SEE: Columbus Muslim lawmaker accused by GOP rep of ‘standing up for Hamas’ https://abc6onyourside.com/amp/news/local/columbus-muslim-lawmaker-accused-by-gop-rep-of-standing-up-for-hamas
Last week, the Ohio House passed a resolution expressing support for Israel, without any recognition of the ongoing occupation and oppression of Palestinians. Representative Abdullahi, exercising her democratic right to dissent, voted against the resolution, and while she was not allowed to voice her reasoning on the House floor, she cited her concerns regarding the lack of mention of Palestinian victims of violence and the need for balanced representation. This principled stance led to an onslaught of derogatory and inappropriate comments, including name-calling and offensive statements from some of her fellow legislators.
“The anti-Muslim hate rhetoric directed at Representative Abdullahi is deeply troubling,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “This type of vitriol is what has led to a sharp increase in anti-Muslim violence against our community and anyone who speak for the human rights of Palestinians. This vitriol from elected officials from all levels of government is what led to the brutal murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume in Chicago. Such offensive language causes harm to individuals, especially when their identity is being targeted, and contributes to the rise in hate crimes targeting both the Muslim and Jewish communities.”
CAIR-Ohio stands in solidarity with Representative Munira Abdullahi and her right to express her views and concerns for the lopsided narrative being pushed by the recent resolution and other one-sided messaging from elected officials. The comments made against Representative Abdullahi not only go against the principles of civility and respect that should guide political discourse but also contribute to the rise of hate crimes, both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic, as she aptly pointed out. We condemn any attempt to vilify or marginalize her for standing up for her principles.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557