Muslims lobby at Oklahoma Capitol, draw some protests

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A group of Muslims is meeting with Oklahoma lawmakers and discussing civic engagement while pro- and anti-Muslim groups bicker outside the state Capitol.

The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations held its second Muslim Day Friday at the Capitol, with programs on religious policy, law enforcement and political activism.

The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches drew more than 60 people outside to display support for Muslims as they enter the building.

Fewer than a dozen anti-Muslim protesters took turns shouting down the interfaith supporters with bullhorns. One of the protesters, Jim Gilles of Evansville, Indiana, said some protesters are from out of state and have organized similar protests elsewhere.

Supporters say Muslims shouldn't be shamed for exercising their political rights.

By Daniel C. Houston. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 2/26/2016 @ 1:46 PM CST