Muslim leaders say they will build bridges were bigotry exists

ATLANTA - The Council on American Islamic Relations also spoke out on an increase in post-election hate incidents targeting Muslims

"Our communities do not plan to take this lying down. We may have a new president, but we do not have a new Constitution. This is still America. And we all have the right to live and worship as we please. And we will continue to do so, God willing," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Georgia Council on American Islamic Relations.

CAIR spoke out on the increase in post-election hate incidents targeting Muslims. Muslim leaders said that they’re working on several solutions to combat the problem. The council discussed three specific solutions Wednesday to help fight against this type of harassment and protect their rights, houses of worship, and their communities.

The first one is creating a hotline for Georgia Muslims, and anybody else who is a victim of harassment to call and report incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

The second one is holding a security seminar that will offer guidance on mosque security, how to respond to active shooter situations, as well as discuss self-defense for women.

The third one is interfaith outreach which will provide a plan to renew and expand efforts to deliver educational presentations about Muslims across the state, particularly in areas where incidents of bigotry occur.

RELATED: Controversial GA bill proposes ban on burqas behind the wheel

“Every time they taunt a Muslim woman they see on the street, every time they vandalize a mosque, they only strengthen our resolve to continue building bridges with our neighbor, to continuing worship God as we want to worship Him. We will not be intimidated. We’re gonna stand up for our rights, and I think that the same is true for the Hispanic community, the Asian community, you know, this is still our country,” said Mitchell.

The organization also said since Election Day, they’ve received countless messages of support and reassurance from neighbors of various faiths and backgrounds. CAIR is the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in America.