RNA - Muslim advocates in Tennessee know how to stand against state legislation they think unfairly targets people of their faith.
It happened in 2011 after lawmakers proposed criminalizing Shariah law. In recent legislative sessions, Muslim advocates raised concerns about legislation that would disrupt so-called "no-go zones," and made sure Muslims' voices were heard on when and how world religion is taught in public school.
But this year, Muslim leaders plan to take a proactive approach to the new legislative session with midday prayers and a community day at War Memorial Auditorium and the Tennessee State Capitol.
The Friday event is organized by the American Muslim Advisory Council, a Nashville-based nonprofit that bridges the gap between the Muslim community and government and other private groups.
They want to send the message that the 110th General Assembly, which convened Tuesday, should represent all Tennesseans, including Muslims, said Paul Galloway, the executive director of the American Muslim Advisory Council.
"We’re trying to say that, ‘Look we’re here, we’re engaged in the process,’" Galloway said. "The whole idea is to let the Tennessee Muslim community know that the state capitol is their place just like anyone else’s, and they should feel welcome and at home in there just like everyone else."
The event, in part, is a response to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory and how that might impact legislation introduced in Tennessee, said Galloway, who also is the executive director for the Nashville-based advocacy organization, American Center for Outreach. He is bracing for an aggressive session.
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