Press Conference: Local Muslims React to Gov. Quinn, Mosque Controversy

(CHICAGO, 08/20/10) — On Friday, August 20, the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) together with an interfaith coalition will hold a press conference responding to recent comments by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn regarding the “Ground Zero” mosque controversy. Local leaders will discuss their concern that a calculated campaign of Islamophobia and fear mongering have influenced public officials and misinformed the general public. The coalition will discuss opposition to mosques including in Illinois, rising levels of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate crimes.

WHAT: Press Conference on Local Muslim reactions to “Ground Zero” mosque controversy WHEN: Friday, August 20, 11:00AM WHERE: Downtown Islamic Center. 231 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60604-1901

WHO: CAIR-Chicago, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC: 50 member organizations), The Mosque Foundation, The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), The Chicago Coalition to Defend the Bill of Rights (CCDBR), United Power, and interfaith groups

“American Muslims are part and parcel of this society, we have nothing to apologize for and everything to be proud of. We love our country and expect our elected officials to champion our national ideals of pluralism, freedom of worship, and anti-bigotry for all Americans. We expect them to say what is principled rather than whatever is perceived to attract votes," said Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, in reference to many politicians capitulating to the current anti-mosque frenzy.

CAIR-Chicago is a chapter of 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

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