Senator Eldridge’s Bill to Establish an American Muslim Commission Advances Out of Committee
This bill would create first statewide body dedicated to studying and addressing issues impacting American Muslim communities
Boston, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) is proud to announce that S.2134, An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the Commonwealth, has received a favorable report from the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The bill would create the first permanent state commission dedicated to researching the needs of American Muslim communities, promoting inclusion, and strengthening civic engagement across Massachusetts.
The commission would serve as a resource to state government, examining cultural, social, economic, and educational issues affecting American Muslims and recommending actionable steps to address disparities. Members will serve three-year terms and act as liaisons between government and community partners, helping to build solutions in representation, and unity.
“Massachusetts has always prided itself on being a leader in equality and civil rights, a legacy this bill builds upon,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge. “American Muslims in my district and across the Commonwealth enrich our communities as students, healthcare workers, educators, small business owners, and civic leaders. This commission will help the state better understand and address the challenges they face, while strengthening inclusion and civic participation. I am grateful to Senate Chair Nick Collins and the committee members for their support. As Senate Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Affairs, I was proud to vote to advance this bill.”
“No person should face persecution for their beliefs, but for the over 131,000 members of our Commonwealth's Muslim community, that isn't the case right now," said Rep. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). "I was proud to co-file this legislation with Senator Eldridge so that we can elevate and address the issues of this community, and in doing so, we can promote a culture of respect and acceptance for all."
“This commission is a way to ensure that American Muslims are represented in state decision-making,” said Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations Massachusetts (CAIR-MA). “It will serve as a dedicated space for our community’s needs, concerns, and contributions to be recognized. We are grateful to Senator Eldridge, Senator Collins, and Representative Howard for advancing this critical bill.”
“This much-needed commission would serve as a bridge not just between the Muslim community and other commonwealth organizations but would also promote stronger bonds within the Muslim organizations,” said Faiza Khan, president of the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland. “This body will facilitate the understanding of the Muslim community's needs and concerns in the commonwealth while highlighting the experiences and achievements of American Muslims as contributors to the fabric of its society. For quite some time now, the muslim community has sought a voice in policy making and through this commision, it seeks to advise state agencies and lawmakers on issues that affect Muslim residents. We are hopeful that through its lens on Islamophobic discrimination and bias, this body will help the state develop better protections and responses. Additionally, it would promote inclusion within by fostering collaboration among Muslim organizations and recommending qualified Muslims for state boards and commissions thus strengthening the external bonds with other organizations to create a stronger ONE Commonwealth.”
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