Friend:

Thank you! Last week I asked you to share your thoughts on the complicated but important question of what term best describes AU’s opponents. I was thrilled to see a huge number of thoughtful and creative responses pour in from supporters across the country – including (but not limited to) New York, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, Nevada and California! It’s a privilege to have a base of supporters willing to help us wrestle with these questions and push AU’s mission forward.

Speaking of moving forward, Americans United applauded the House of Representatives this week for passing the NO BAN Act, in an unequivocal rejection of the Muslim and African Bans that the previous administration put in place. Repealing the Muslim Ban was first on AU’s Religious Freedom Agenda for the Biden administration.

For over four years, AU, working closely with Muslim Advocates and other partners, was on the front lines fighting to end Trump’s cruel Muslim Ban – even taking the Trump administartion to court. The NO BAN Act will ensure that no one is denied entry to the United States because of their religion or nationality. It is a historic civil rights bill, and now it is imperative that the U.S. Senate pass it so President Biden can sign it into law.

That news alone would make this week a powerful one, but just a day earlier, a jury held Derek Chauvin accountable for the murder of George Floyd. As an organization dedicated to freedom and equality, we know that while this verdict is an important step in accountability, it’s a small step in a long road ahead toward achieving racial justice. AU joins in solidarity with those fighting for systemic change, and we send our profound sympathies to the family and friends of George Floyd and many others who have unjustly died at the hands of the police.

I’m proud to have you with us as a partner in AU’s fight to hold America accountable to our highest ideals. We know how critical the separation of religion and government is to our democracy, and it’s all of our work to make sure our friends and neighbors know it too! Please consider letting them know about your support for Americans United and encourage them to join us at au.org.

With hope and determination,