(TAMPA, FL, 1/18/2022) - The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida) today expressed support for a bill that would remove state holidays honoring Confederates.
Democratic Florida State Senator and minority leader Lauren Book have filed a bill for the third time that would remove three legal holidays honoring Confederates from state law. Currently, Florida recognizes Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s birthday, Confederate president Jefferson Davis’ birthday, and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holiday.
SEE: Florida lawmaker wants to remove three state holidays honoring the Confederacy
“No Americans should be forced to honor the white supremacist traitors who fought to keep enslaved people in bondage,” said CAIR-Florida Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz. “We support all legislative efforts to remove these holidays and address systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy.”
He noted that CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate flags, statues, and symbols from public spaces nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Threat to Fine Alabama City for Dropping Confederate Street Name
CAIR Supports Renaming Alabama School Named After Robert E. Lee
CAIR Condemns Decision to Relocate Virginia Confederate Monuments to Outside Government Building
The American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: Video: CAIR Condemns Hostage-Taking at Texas Synagogue
CAIR Welcomes Charges for Racist South Carolina ‘Honk If You Hate N**Gers’ Road Sign
CAIR-Minnesota Condemns Racist Anti-Asian Vandalism Targeting Korean Man’s Car in Brooklyn Park
CAIR Condemns Bomb Threat Targeting University of Utah Black Cultural Center, Racist Poster at Idaho School
CAIR-Florida’s mission is to enhance an understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, proteger las libertades civiles, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
#END#
CONTACT: Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, Esq., CAIR-Florida Communications Director, 305.502.6749, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.