ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 27, 2017) — On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, Representative Ilhan Omar, the Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS-MN) along with 42 sponsoring organizations will host the 13th Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol. Hundreds of Muslims from all over the state will gather at this event at the Minnesota State Capitol. Many allies of the Muslim community are also expected to attend.
Muslim Day at the Capitol serves as an event to encourage civic engagement within the Muslim community in Minnesota. Attendees will meet in the morning for a training where they will receive a briefing on the agenda for the day. This year’s agenda includes the bill to remove the marriage disincentive for families on MFIP (HF1465/SF1153), opposing the expansion of firearms proliferation (HF238/SF292 & HF188/SF649) and supporting the Religious Holiday Recognition Bill.
Gov. Mark Dayton, Lt. Governor Tina Smith, Secretary of State Steve Simon, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, along with Attorney General Lori Swanson are all confirmed to attend. The Muslim community will be presenting the “Defender of the Constitution Award” to Attorney General Lori Swanson for her legal action against President Trump’s unconstitutional Muslim ban.
In the afternoon, attendees will break off into groups with other members of their legislative districts to meet with their elected officials. For many Muslims, this will be their first time meeting with an elected official and advocating for a specific cause.
“Muslim Day at the Capitol is a pathway to foster understanding and provide a voice for the often under represented Muslim community,” said Asad Zaman, an imam and the executive director of MAS-MN. “Our goal is for the Muslim community to continue engaging their elected officials beyond this event. We encourage Muslims to invite their elected officials to their local masjids and community centers to engage with the larger Muslim community who are unable to attend this event.”
