Missouri Muslims rally at State Capitol

The St. Louis Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations held a rally on Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol wanting state legislators to address what they call, the growing trend of Islamophobia.

Hundreds of supporters and Missouri Muslims gathered on the capitol steps chanting, “standing united against hate,” rallying for a cause they feel has gotten out of control.

“We expect our state legislature to address the growing trend of Islamophobia by speaking out against it and voting against anti- religion bills that have come up every year in Missouri,” Faizan Syed, Executive Director of CAIR-St. Louis said.

Syed told ABC 17 that the organization isn’t just rallying for only the Muslim communities but also for the religious freedoms for other religions, “today it’s Muslims but what’s stopping you from saying that about Jewish people, Hindu’s, or Atheists the next day.”

The rally consisted of speeches from various community leaders from across the state.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. It’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.