California Just Took A Bold Stand Against Islamophobia

California’s State Assembly has taken a strong stand against a rising climate of Islamophobia in America . 

On Monday, the Assembly passed a resolution that declared August 2016 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, as part of an effort to acknowledge the “myriad invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans in California and across the country.” 

The resolution (HR-59 ) was introduced by Assembly Member Bill Quirk and passed with bipartisan support, according to NBC . 

The writers of the resolution pointed out that California is home to over 240 mosques, more than any other state in the country. The resolution also decried the discrimination that Muslim Americans have had to endure in the years following the September 11 attacks. 

“Muslim Americans have made contributions to education, science, entertainment and medicine both nationally and globally,” Quirk told NBC News. “Unfortunately, the Muslim community has been, and continues to be, the target of harassment, discrimination and assaults.”

The Huffington Post’s Islamophobia project,  which has been tracking anti-Muslim incidents in The United States, has recorded 233 Islamophobic incidents in 2016 alone. Three of these took place in California this past July, including one instance where a mom wearing a hijab was reportedly attacked and egged while walking out of a Walmart in San Leandro.

“During these difficult times of increased anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate incidents, Assembly member Quirk’s resolution and recognition of Muslim Americans is uplifting for our community and immensely appreciated,” said Basim Elkarra, Sacramento Valley Executive Director of the advocacy organization Council on American-Islamic Relations . “It is truly a historic moment for all Californians.”