(SEATTLE, WA, 10/18/2024) – The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA) today reaffirmed the right of all Americans, including devout American Muslims, to run for and serve in public office.
CAIR-WA emphasized that Muslim Americans, like individuals of any faith, are fully entitled to run for office and represent their constituents, just as any other citizen does under the Constitution.
In its 2023 directory of elected Muslim officials, CAIR found that over 235 Muslims are serving at the local, state, and federal levels across the United States. This fact underscores the important role Muslim Americans play in public life and the diversity they bring to their communities. Their service exemplifies the strength of our democracy and the inclusiveness of our nation.
In a statement, CAIR Washington Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi said:
“American Muslim candidates, like all others, are committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution and serving the best interests of their communities. Attempts to discredit them based on their faith are not only baseless but an affront to the core values of religious freedom and democracy that define this nation. Such rhetoric is a dangerous attack on the principles that unite our pluralistic society and has no place in public discourse.”
In every election, including this one, CAIR-WA urges voters to focus on the values, policies, and leadership qualities of candidates, rather than allowing stereotypes or fearmongering to influence decisions.
CAIR-WA remains committed to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of faith, can fully participate in the democratic process without fear of discrimination or bias. The First Amendment guarantees that religious freedom is a right for everyone, and no one should be disqualified from serving the public due to their beliefs.
From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023. Statewide, CAIR-WA reports a 204% increase in calls for help regarding discrimination and hate from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.
Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR-WA’s 2024 Washington Muslim Survey found that a staggering 82% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination or bias within the past year. The full report was published in September 2024 and can be read at cairwa.org/wams.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi, imraansiddiqi@cair.com, CAIR-WA Communications Director Katie Walker, kwalker@cair.com