On Monday, October 24th, the Columbus City Council (Michael Stinziano, Elizabeth Brown, Mitchell Brown,  Granville Hardin, Jaiza Paige, Eileen Paley and President Zack Klein)  passed a resolution condemning religious intolerance and the rise of Islamophobia.

This resolution firmly declared that the City of Columbus supports the Muslim community, and that Columbus is a city that welcomes all. To show sincere appreciation for this resolution, more than 200 Muslim community members and leaders from all over Central Ohio attended the meeting, and made a profound impact. At a time when sentiments of hate and discrimination are prevalent in society, the Columbus City’s Government and the community, together, proved that America is truly a land of freedom for all. 

Statement from Councilmember Michael Stinziano:

 Today, Columbus City Council took a stand against hate and passed a resolution to condemn religious intolerance and the rise of Islamophobia, and declare support for the Muslim community in the City of Columbus.

Columbus is home to thousands of Muslims who's faith inspires them to give back every day to contribute to our City as United States military personnel, police officers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, business owners (small and large!), teachers, and many other roles integral to our success of Columbus.

Elected officials, faith community leaders, residents and activists stood together in solidarity and in support of all residents and pledged to advance equity and value diversity in the City of Columbus and confront all forms of religious bigotry and intolerance.

I am very appreciative of the support of council and the community to pass this resolution. Diversity and inclusion make Columbus a stronger, more vibrant cityColumbus is home to thousands of Muslims who's faith inspires them to give back every day to contribute to our City as United States military personnel, police officers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, business owners (small and large!), teachers, and many other roles integral to our success of Columbus.t for the Muslim community in the City of Columbus.t for the Muslim community in the City of Columbus.

On behalf of the Muslim community of Central Ohio, our cordial thanks to the leadership of City Council of Columbus, CAIR, Jewish Voice for Peace, our Outreach and Interfaith partners: Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders (SAIL), Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO), Turkish American Society (TASO), YMCA,  Federation India Association (FIA), Asian American Commerce Group (AACG) and  members and leaders of many churches, synagogues, temples and   who stood in solidarity with the Muslim community during the adaption of this historic resolution at the Columbus City Hall.

There was also a round table with interfaith leaders of central Ohio on the topic of ‘Islamophobia’ prior to the council meeting in which the resolution was adapted. The round table was attended by the flowing members of Council and Community.  

·        Councilmember - Michael Stinziano (Moderator), Elizabeth C. Brown, Mitchell J. Brown, Shannon G. Hardin

·        Staff Attorney Council on American-Islamic Relations - Romin Iqbal

·        Noor Islamic and Cultural Center - Imran Malik

·        My Project USA - Zerqa Abid -

·        Jewish Voice for Peace - Connie Hammond

·        President of Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (Christian Faith Tradition) - Phil Washburn

·        Secretary of Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (Unitarian Universalist Faith Tradition) - Karen Dawson

·        Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (Buddhist Faith Tradition) - Ernestine Jackson

·        Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (Islamic Faith Tradition) - Nimet Alpay