During the press conference on December 12th, CAIR-Ohio leadership, including Executive Directors Faten Odeh and Khalid Turanni, articulated their concerns and outlined the steps the organization intends to take to challenge the bill. Additionally, during the first hearing in front of the judicial committee, Faten Odeh and Khalid Turanni provided opposing testimony, further emphasizing their disapproval of the bill.
CAIR-OH and Coalitional partners from around Ohio gathered in the Ohio State House Rotunda on Tuesday, December 17th, demanding that their representatives vote no on the anti-free speech bill that criminalizes anti-Israel speech. During this gathering, they called their representatives urging them to vote no, and protect their civil freedoms.
CAIR-OH sent out two action alerts, which resulted in over 2000 emails being sent to representatives in the Ohio State House demanding them to vote no on both SB 297 and HB 315, as well as hundreds of phone calls directed towards the state senators’ offices.
Testimonies were also given by constituents from around the state of Ohio following a call to mobilize.
Watch CAIR-Cleveland & North Executive Director’s Testimony
Executive Director Faten Odeh of CAIR-Cleveland and Northern Ohio said:
“Let it be known with unwavering resolve: any attempt to suppress our freedom of speech will be met with the relentless advocacy of CAIR-Ohio and our steadfast coalition partners, united by the unshakable principles of justice and human rights. This victory stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit—a collective triumph over those who would silence our voices against the atrocities inflicted upon innocent civilians, funded by our own U.S. tax dollars. We will not rest until Ohio’s state laws embody the will of the people they are meant to serve—representing Ohioans, not the interests of a foreign government.”
Watch CAIR-Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director’s Testimony
Executive Director Khalid Turanni of CAIR-Columbus and Cincinnati said:
“Today, the First Amendment triumphed, and those who sought to erode our freedom of speech to shield Israeli war crimes were defeated. Together with our allies—Jewish Voice for Peace, the ACLU, Students for Justice in Palestine, and others—CAIR Ohio stood firm in defense of the U.S. Constitution and against legislative overreach. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action. Congratulations to all who stood up for our fundamental rights!”
Jewish Voice for Peace- Cleveland member, Sean Abbot-Klafter stated:
“Today is a great day for the Constitution! Ohio lawmakers stood strong against a small group of fringe activists who attempted to quietly eliminate the right to free speech for all Ohioans. In the face of this attack, Ohio lawmakers affirmed their belief that the government shouldn’t control the thoughts and speech of its citizens. We applaud their courage and look forward to their continued defense of the constitution.”
Human Rights Watch recently published a report today, ” Extermination and Acts of Genocide,” summarizing the acts of Israel to Gaza in which has allowed the International Court of Justice and Amnesty International to deem a genocide. Read Report Here
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.
https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland
Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
END
