Massachusetts bill would create state commission to promote civil rights, inclusion of Muslims

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering legislation that would establish a permanent state commission focused on issues affecting American Muslims, with responsibilities ranging from advising policymakers to recommending candidates for government appointments.The proposal, titled, “An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth,” is supported by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge and state Rep. Vanna Howard.
According to the bill’s fact sheet, the measure would establish “a Massachusetts state commission aimed at studying issues affecting American Muslim communities in the Commonwealth.”
The commission would be tasked with several responsibilities, including identifying and recommending “qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government.” It would also “assess how programs and practices in all state agencies impact American Muslims” and “advise executive and legislative bodies on how various policies impact American Muslims.”
According to the fact sheet, the commission would additionally “promote activities that will enable the state of Massachusetts to realize the full benefit of the skills, talents and cultural heritage of American Muslims.”
Supporters argue the legislation is needed because “the American Muslim perspective and experiences are often absent in policy conversations on issues that directly impact the community.”
 

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