On Oct. 29, 2025, Mark Stern testified at the State House on behalf of the NLG in support of a bill to create a first-in-the-nation Muslim commission.  Mark joined legislators, educators, faith leaders, students, and advocates, all of whom called for stronger representation, protections, and recognition for Massachusetts Muslims. 

The bill was previously filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Rep. Vanna Howard in the 2023 – 24 legislative session, and again in the 2025 – 26 session. Contrary to what many assume, the Muslim commission bill is not intended as a counterweight or antidote to the state’s antisemitism commission, as the bill was first filed long before the antisemitism commission was quietly created by way of an amendment to the FY 2025 state budget.  Nor would it serve as an Islamophobia commission, although that issue would certainly be addressed.  Instead, the bill’s much broader mission also includes encouraging greater Muslim civic engagement and tapping into the skills and resources offered by the Muslim community. 

The bill is currently assigned to the legislature’s Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  If you wish to support the bill, you can still submit written testimony by following the instructions found here. 

For the full statement submitted by Mark Stern on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild-Massachusetts Chapter, please click here.

To watch the hearing, please click here.