Stop Islamophobia in the Ohio Statehouse
During a recent Ohio House Development Committee hearing on House Bill 188, YUSRA representative Rana Abuhashim delivered testimony highlighting issues of justice, equity, and accountability. After her testimony, Representative Steve Demetriou responded with a deeply Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian remark, asking if it would be “difficult to include the West Bank or Gaza because those territories are being administered by a terrorist organization.”
This statement misrepresents the reality on the ground, labels the victims of human rights violations as “terrorists,” and spreads dangerous, dehumanizing rhetoric in our state legislature. It reflects a larger problem of foreign-influenced narratives shaping discourse and silencing honest debate in Ohio policymaking.
Read the full YUSRA statement on this incident here.
Call Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name] from [City, ZIP]. I’m calling about a recent hearing on HB 188 and a concerning remark by Rep. Demetriou.”
Rep. Demetriou asked if trade with the West Bank or Gaza would be difficult “because the territories are administered by a terrorist organization.” This is Islamophobic, misinformed, and dehumanizing, and it harms Ohio’s Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities.
I urge Speaker Huffman to condemn this rhetoric and ensure respectful discourse in the legislature.
Thank you for your time.”
Contacts
Rep. Matt Huffman (R-78) | Speaker of Ohio House
Email Template
Subject: Urgent: Islamophobic Rhetoric in Ohio House
Dear Speaker Huffman,
During the HB 188 hearing, Rep. Demetriou asked whether trade with the West Bank or Gaza is difficult “because the territories are administered by a terrorist organization.” This is misinformed, dehumanizing, and Islamophobic, and it harms Ohio’s Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities.
I urge you to:
Condemn this rhetoric publicly.
Ensure respectful discourse and decorum in all hearings.
Ohioans deserve a legislature that engages with testimony seriously and respects all communities.
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, ZIP Code]
[Optional: Phone Number]
