(COVINGTON, GA - 9/1/16) The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today thanked a majority of Newton County commissioners for publicly committing to lift a moratorium on houses of worship during their next meeting on Sep. 13th, when the county expects to consider recommended updates to its zoning ordinances. 

 None of those updates will impact projects with prior approval such as the blocked Newton mosque and cemetery.

"As a result of the County's quick and efficient review of our zoning ordinances, I plan to vote in favor of lifting the moratorium at the special called meeting on September 13," District 3 Commissioner Nancy Schulz said in a joint statement, the full text of which can be read here and below. "Newton County is rich in diversity and hospitality, and we are happy to see residents of all faiths and backgrounds live and worship together in our community."

(ATLANTA, GA - 8/26/16) The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today delivered a speech to business owners at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel about the rights and unique needs of American Muslim employees.

"We thank the EEOC for inviting Georgia's Muslim community to educate local employers about common issues that American Muslims face in the workplace," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of CAIR-GA. "From preventing harassment to accomodating prayer, employers have an obligation to guarantee a fair and safe environment for their employees of all faiths."

During the conference hosted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Mitchell also answered questions from the audience about whether and how businesses must accomodate Islamic religious practices.

Common issues usually revolve around the five daily prayers, wearing a hijab, growing a beard, or attending weekly Friday prayer service, all of which would almost always be accomodated by employers, CAIR-GA said.

(ATLANTA, GA - 8/26/16) The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations today visited Hamzah Islamic Center to deliver its Last Will & Testament Workshop.

During the presentation, CAIR-GA discusses the religious and legal importance of maintaining valid wills that satisfy Georgia law, ensure a proper Islamic burial, and require the distribution of inheritance in accordance with religious tradition. Participants then complete simple, four-page fill-in-the-blank will designed to fulfill those goals.

Watch video of the presentation here: https://www.facebook.com/arif.kazi.9047/videos/10153621745545916/?pnref=story