Thousands of Americans to stage anti-bigotry rally

American Muslims to be joined by interfaith leaders in a stand against gun violence, bigotry and "extremism".



The initiative comes at a time when anti-Muslim sentiment is high (Michael Reynolds/EPA)

30 JUNE 2016
By Dalia Hatuqa

Washington DC - A group of American Muslims, joined by interfaith leaders, have launched an initiative to get thousands of Americans to take part in a march in Washington DC on July 23, in what they call a stand against bigotry, "extremism", and gun violence.

The American Muslim March will take place at the National Mall - home to various large-scale historical gatherings - to also condemn "terrorism" and vocally eschew the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), organisers said.

Rally sponsors include more than 20 organisations representing the three monotheistic regions, as well as the Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, and Bahai communities.

The initiative comes at a time when anti-Muslim sentiment is high, in part driven by the rhetoric of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called for the banning of foreign Muslims from the United States.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/thousands-americans-stage-anti-bigotry-rally-160630174636942.html