Until the events of September 11^th, 2001 the incidents of maltreatment of muslims would have been considered rare. After September 11, the increase could be seen exponentially.   Where walking down the street in hijab(the muslim woman’s scarf) , might have garnered a few looks, walking down the street  in hijab became  dangerous.

The first to be targeted for civil rights violations were muslim women. These women were told that they could not wear their hijab during driver’s license and/or photo identifications.  Having challenged that and receiving clear advice from the Department of Public Safety.  

The rule of thumb became “as long as your face could be seen during your photo, anyone for religious or non religious reasons could wear a head covering”’.    Though the issue has been challenged several  times, few of these occurrences have come as close to becoming  law than HB 1645. 

Hamzi Rashmi, Director of CAIR-OK (the local chapter of the Council of American Islamic Relations in Oklahoma) based in Oklahoma City stated that he has seen an increase of hostility towards Muslims during 2007.  He feels that the problem ignorance and misunderstanding.   The major civil rights issues among Muslims are the hijab and delayed immigration issues.   Mr. Rashmi stated that there are many muslim families that have been waiting four of 5 years to needing only to take the citizenship oath.  Many women are expected to work without their hijabs or in any form of Islamic dress. 

According to the local Council of American Islamic relations, there were 21 reported incidents of discrimination or civil rights violations in 2007 and 45 reports in 2008.  (The CAIR –OK office opened in Oklahoma City in 2007.   There have been no projections made for 2009.

What I find is the irony of one of the most conservative states in the nation, championing against being conservative.   It’s okay to wear a thong and halter top down the street, but it’s not okay to cover oneself in the name of religion –any religion.