(COLUMBUS, OH— 8/3/2023) — Yesterday, CAIR-Ohio joined “Faith Votes No,” a press conference organized by Faith in Public Life Action at Gladden Social Justice Park that brought together numerous Columbus faith leaders from across the city.
The event was aimed to provide further education on the importance of Issue 1 and how it directly impacts religiously practicing Ohioans who come from all faith backgrounds. Powerful testimonials from religious leaders explained how harmful Issue 1 would be to their communities.
Muslims in Ohio often face discrimination and racism, which repeatedly comes straight from elected officials and the agencies meant to protect us. The August 8 Special Election functions as a form of government overreach because it is inherently undemocratic and aims to take away power from Ohioans.
CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi stressed that “I am called on to seek and speak the truth and practice it as I speak it. Islam calls upon me to address injustice and oppression wherever and whenever I see it, particularly when it is against the individuals who are the most vulnerable.”
SEE: Photos: Greater Columbus faith leaders speak out against Issue 1
Issue 1 would require 60% of voter approval to pass Constitutional Amendments. The new proposed law claims to protect the Constitution but takes away from the principle of one person, one vote. Every vote counts and every voter matters, which is why we must reject Issue 1 by voting NO.
A NO Vote on Issue 1 says:
- NO to unfair healthcare and housing polices
- NO to dangerous discrimination policies
- NO to efforts that undermine our public education
- NO to our voices being silenced at the ballot box
Vote NO on Issue 1 and stand behind the power of our voice. Voting NO on Issue 1 sends a message to Ohio legislators that we are stabilizing power in the people.
With less than one week left until the August 8 Election Day, CAIR-Ohio encourages community members to head to the polls early and cast their votes.
View press conference here.
More information regarding Issue 1 and early voting for the Special Election is available on our Voter Guide.
