A growing number of lawmakers in Wisconsin are calling for an end to Islamophobia.
Sen. Chris Larson and House Rep. Jonathan Brostoff drafted a joint resolution presented to community leaders and the public during a rally inside Milwaukee City Hall Tuesday morning.
Hundreds of people flooded the ground floor during the rally, and some protesters were forced to stand on the second floor because of overcrowding.
“We are here to stand up against the anti-American attacks by President Trump and those who look to excuse his unconstitutional threats to our country," Sen. Larson said. “Our Arab and Muslim neighbors and those perceived as Muslims have increasingly become the target of acts of violence and hate speech.”
Larson is referring to the most recent attack at a Mosque in Quebec that killed six people.
Janan Najeeb, president of the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition, says President Donald Trump's executive orders banning immigrants from coming to the U.S. from 7 Muslim-majority countries indirectly sends a message of hate.
“There’s always groups that want to marginalize and create an enemy and today, we as Muslims are that target," Najeeb said.
Sen. Larson reports that from August 2015 when the first presidential debate was held to the end of 2016, there have been 596 "Islamophobia" acts against Muslims in America.
"That's more than one per day," Sen. Larson said.
The FBI reports hate crimes against Muslims soared 67 percent in 2015 compared to 2014.
The Muslim community is asking for peace and acceptance.
"Our nation is stronger when many cultures and traditions and faiths come together," Ahmed Quereshi, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee said. "We are truly a nation of immigrants."
Mayor Barrett also attended the rally Monday morning. He reiterated that the City of Milwaukee will remain a safe place for immigrants.
You can read a copy of Sen. Larson's and Rep. Brostoff's joint resolution here.
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