(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 07/31/24) – The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today denounced the recent action by the OKC City Council to table indefinitely a resolution regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
SEE: OKC Council dodges vote on Israel-Hamas cease-fire resolution, postpones indefinitely
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Councilors Jobeth Hamon and Nikki Nice presented a resolution calling for an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire in Gaza to protect and save human lives. The language of the resolution focused on Oklahoma City as a place “dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, values all life, and upholds the principles of equality and all human rights,” and to condemn the rise in Antisemitism and Islamophobia.
However, after the resolution was presented, Councilor Mark Stonecipher proposed to table the motion indefinitely, citing it as an opportunity for councilors to “decline to take a position”.
There were some 50 supporters in the crowd, and over a dozen had already signed up to speak regarding the resolution. Residents of all backgrounds stood up to speak to Mayor Holt and councilors, urging them to support the resolution on humanitarian grounds.
Unfortunately, in a 6-3 vote, the motion passed to table the resolution indefinitely. CAIR-OK denounced the OKC city councils’ failure to hear the resolution proposed by residents who choose to advocate in opposition to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“It’s disappointing to see a people’s initiative, such as this resolution, brashly dismissed by our city council,” said CAIR-OK Advocacy Coordinator Nicole Baumann. “OKC deserves to have its leaders step up and represent us as a global city that stands for humanity and justice.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Nicole Baumann, CAIR-OK Advocacy Coordinator, nbaumann@cair.com, 918-805-1191; Adam Soltani, CAIR-OK Executive Director, asoltani@cair.com, 405-248-5853