CAIR-CA Asks California Assemblymember to Apologize for #standupagianstIslam” Tweet

(Sacramento, CA, 2/13/15) – CAIR-CA today called on California State Assemblymember Melissa Melendez to apologize for an "irresponsible" tweet using the hashtag #standupagainstIslam that seemed to equate the actions the ISIS terrorist group with all Muslims.

SEE: Muslim leaders want California lawmaker to apologize for remarks

She tweeted:"Gut wrenching news today. American Kayla Mueller murdered by Islamic savages. There MUST be consequences. MM #standupagainstIslam"

SEE: Facebook: CAIR Islamophobia Watch California Elected Official Tweets "standupagainstIslam"

Haroon Manjlai, CAIR-LA's Public Affairs Coordinator said:

"Statements like these cause mistrust and fear of Islam and Muslims. It is unbecoming of a public elected official to issue such bigoted statements. Hate rhetoric can and does lead to hate crimes against people. We call on Assemblymember Melendez to retract and apologize for her anti-Muslim comment and for smearing the faith of more than 1.6 billion Muslims."

The civil rights organization said it will reach out to Assembly Member Melendez to share information about Islam and Muslims in her district and across the states to increase her familiarity with her community.

Call 951-894-1232 or Send Polite Comments to Assemblymember Melendez

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

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Contact: CAIR-LA Public Affairs Coordinator Haroon Manjlai, 714-776-1847, hmanjlai@cair.com; CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra, 916-289-3748, belkarra@cair.com; CAIR-SV Programs and Development Coordinator Maheen Ahmed, 916-441-6269, mahmed@sacval.cair.com; CAIR-SV Communications Coordinator Sabina Khan, 916-441-6269, skhan@cair.com