Yesterday several homes in Silver Spring found a racist/Islamophobic/homophobic “comic book” on their doorstep. The comic books looked like they might be suitable for children, but were actually dripping with ignorance and hate. We joined with our allies at CAIR to issue the following press release:
(BALTIMORE, MD, 1/14/18) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and the Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition, today jointly condemned the distribution of Islamophobic and homophobic hate literature to homes in Maryland.
Stephanie Joseph, a life-long Montgomery County resident and mother of two, was among the residents who received the flyer.
“During a weekend when Americans are honoring the legacy and contributions of civil rights icon Dr. King, we should be embracing love and tolerance,” said Joseph, who herself is a Jewish activist and attorney.
CAIR said the cartoon-like tracts by the hate group Chick Publications, titled “Camel’s in the Tent,” include bizarre claims that Muslims seek the “conquest” of America by taking over the country “little by little, one city at a time.” Chick has a long history of bigoted attacks on Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Muslims, and other groups.
Last year, CAIR condemned distribution of the same hate literature in Maine.
SEE: Anti-Islam Leaflets Left on Cars in Presque Isle
“While bigots have the same right to free speech as all other Americans, those who reject hatred and prejudice of all kinds have a duty to speak out in support of the American tradition of racial and religious inclusion,” saidCAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry.
“These hateful brochures serve only to expose the ignorance and racism of those who created them,” said MCCRC Representative Sue Udry. “They will do nothing to pierce the unity, solidarity, and goodwill of our neighbors.”
She went on to add that hateful messages such as these show why the work of groups like CAIR and MCCRC is so critical in the fight against all forms of hatred and bigotry
The Washington-based civil rights and advocacy organization urges community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR’s Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/report
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.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition 