The New York Civil Liberties Union today responded to Anti-Muslim marches that will take place in cities across the country tomorrow, Saturday June 10. “March Against Sharia” rallies are planned for 25 sites across 18 states, and will include rallies in New York City and Syracuse.
The rallies are organized by ACT for America, a group that has been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and that claims Sharia law, a set of religious guidance based on the Koran, poses a threat to human rights. Other groups have organized counter-protests to show solidarity with Muslim communities in most of the cities impacted.
The following statement is attributable to New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman:
“No doubt emboldened by President Trump’s noxious anti-Muslim vitriol, these marches – as long as they are non-violent – are both protected by the First Amendment and a painful reminder of the ugly attacks that Muslims in New York and across the country regularly endure. We stand with New York’s Muslim communities for love, not hate. The First Amendment protects from government censorship even the most vile speech, but it doesn’t require us to stay silent in the face of bigotry. The NYCLU joins New Yorkers in speaking out against these attacks and will continue to work to make sure Muslim New Yorkers are protected from discrimination.”
For more information, visit: https://www.nyclu.org/en/press-releases/nyclu-statement-planned-anti-sharia-rallies
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