Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex)
Assemblywoman ANNETTE CHAPARRO
District 33 (Hudson)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Giblin, Holley, Assemblywomen Jimenez, Murphy, Assemblymen Mukherji, Danielsen and Assemblywoman Pintor Marin
SYNOPSIS
Designates month of August of each year as “Muslim Awareness and Appreciation Month” in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating August of each year as “Muslim Awareness and Appreciation Month” in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, The State of New Jersey takes great pride in the varied religious, political, and cultural traditions enjoyed by the residents of this State, and in supporting individual religious freedoms because freedom of religion is a cherished right and a foundational value of the United States; and
Whereas, Islam is the world’s second most common religion, with more than 1.6 billion followers, or approximately 23 percent of the world’s population, and with approximately 0.2 percent of the world’s Muslims living in North America; and
Whereas, Today, there are more than 3.3 million Muslims, both immigrant and native-born, with diverse backgrounds living in the United States of America, or approximately 1 percent of the total population of this country; and
Whereas, There are more than 160,000 Muslims in New Jersey, representing a greater percentage of the State’s population than the national average; and
Whereas, The Muslim heritage has provided significant ideas and objects that have shaped our world, including such achievements as the first university, the first pin-hole camera, surgical instruments, and brewed coffee, as well as achievements in astronomy, modern chemistry, optics, and music; and
Whereas, The history of Muslims in this country dates back to before the country’s founding, originating with African slaves who brought their beliefs with them and who later contributed in numerous ways to the founding of the nation, including as courageous and dedicated members of the United States Armed Forces in every major war from the American Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts; and
Whereas, Muslims strive to promote peace and understanding between all faiths, identities, and nationalities, while upholding the values and principles that define the people of the United States of America; and
Whereas, The United States and the State of New Jersey greatly benefit from the expertise, patriotism, and humanitarianism of Muslims and the health and vitality they contribute to communities
Whereas, The Muslim community in New Jersey is relatively large and thriving with many Islamic private schools, Halal certified food establishments, Middle Eastern and South Asian grocery stores, community centers, youth groups, and mosques; and
Whereas, The people of New Jersey and the greater United States benefit from Muslim educational, charitable, advocacy, and empowerment organizations that operate within the State, as well as from prominent Muslim community leaders who distinguish themselves professionally; and
Whereas, New Jersey recognizes the positive impact Muslims have made, and continue to make, to the advancement of this State and the nation, and believes it is appropriate to acknowledge and promote awareness of the invaluable contributions of Muslims and Muslim communities; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of August of each year is designated as “Muslim Awareness and Appreciation month” in the State of New Jersey.
The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation each year calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This Joint Resolution designates the month of August of each year as “Muslim Awareness and Appreciation month” in the State of New Jersey. This designation would allow the State and its residents to respectfully acknowledge and promote awareness of the many contributions of Muslims who reside in this State and in the United States.