CAIR-NY Joins 50+ Immigrant, Faith and Community Groups in Urging Lawmakers to Reject Bill Targeting Communities Reliant on Live Poultry Shops

(NEW YORK, NY, 5/25/2020) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today joined more than 50 immigrant, religious and community organizations in urging the New York Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committees to reject A10399/S08291, bills that seek to shutdown live poultry shops. 

On May 4, 2020, Assembly member Rosenthal and Senator Sepulveda introduced A10399/S08291. If the bill passes and becomes law, it will shut down all live poultry shops in New York State and prohibit any shops from operating for at least one year. The purported justification for the Bill is covid-19 and other public health viruses.

In a letter sent to the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committees, the organizations noted that live poultry shops in New York are well regulated and are subjected to federal, state, and local regulations, do not sell exotic or wild caught livestock, do not operate in open settings, and are already prohibited from opening near residential areas.  

The letter highlights the economic impact the Bill would have on families, farmers, and businesses owners, and how it could potentially violate the religious rights of New York residents. 

Read the letter HERE 

In a statement, CAIR-New York Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed stated:

“Politicians should not use the COVID-19 pandemic to further their political agendas. If passed, this bill will spell economic disaster for thousands of families, farmers and business owners. Live poultry shops are a vital source of food supply for Muslims, Jews and immigrant families and have been part of the fabric of New York for more than a century. Without these shops, many New Yorkers would have nowhere to purchase their poultry and meat products and may resort to in-home slaughtering to meet their religious and cultural needs. We call on responsible legislators to reject this bill and focus on truly helping families survive this pandemic.”

Mohamed further noted that live poultry shops have been instrumental in donating meals to first responders and needy families during this covid-19 crisis. 

CAIR recently launched an online information portal offering vital information on the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on American Muslims and the entire society.

GO TO: https://cairnewsroom.com/

Monday through Friday (currently on hiatus for Eid ul-Fitr), CAIR hosts a live 30-minute “Daily Dose: COVID Conversations with CAIR” at 3 p.m. (ET) on Facebook featuring spiritual leaders, health care professionals, counselors, experts, community advocates, and CAIR leaders from around the country.

GO TO: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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: Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Litigation Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; Afaf Nasher, Esq. Executive Director, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com