During a statewide teleconference for reporters on Wednesday, the New York Civil Liberties Union will discuss a new briefing paper examining the rise of anti-mosque activities throughout New York State.

The briefing paper explores the legal and cultural background against which mosque controversies have played out across the state over the past year. It provides nine examples of anti-mosque incidents, including opposition to the Park51Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan, as well as incidents in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and western New York.

The paper underscores the First Amendment right of all people to express their opinions about mosques while also examining the role that the federal government, the NYPD and politicians have played in creating a climate in New York and across the nation that is ripe for hostility and discrimination toward Muslims, including a discussion of U.S. Rep. Peter T. King’s congressional hearings on the purported “radicalization” of the Muslim community and a similar hearing convened by State Sen. Gregory Ball.

The paper offers several recommendations for government officials and New Yorkers to increase intercultural understanding of Muslims and reduce anti-Muslim sentiments in New York State while respecting the First Amendment rights of those who oppose mosque projects. The recommendations warn about the resurgence of anti-mosque activities in the lead-up to the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 and during next year’s congressional and presidential elections.

Park51 developer Sharif El-Gamal will participate on the call, offering his perspective on the surge of anti-Muslim sentiment that struck New York last summer, and that continues. Prof. Faroque Ahmad Khan, director of the Islamic Center of Long Island and a constituent of Rep. King, will also participate.

What:
Teleconference on briefing paper on anti-mosque activities in New York State

When:
11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24

Who:
Donna Lieberman, NYCLU Executive Director
Udi Ofer, NYCLU Advocacy Director
Sharif El-Gamal, Park51 Developer
Prof. Foroque Ahmad Khan, Islamic Center of Long Island Director

Call in Information:
Dial 1-866-866-2244 and enter code 8468273