ANNAPOLIS — Maryland’s first Muslim lawmaker took office Wednesday, saying he was proud to make history but not interested in being known only for his religion.
Nevertheless, the milestone was sweet for Democrat Saqib Ali of Gaithersburg, who was targeted by an anti-Muslim protester during his campaign. In August, a protester stood outside his house with an “Islam sucks” poster and a T-shirt that said, “This mind is an Allah-free zone.”
The opinion wasn’t widespread, though, and Ali defeated incumbent Delegate Joan Stern for the Montgomery County seat in the Democratic primary....