Wednesday, September 2, 2015
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today expressed concern over the “improper” opposition by the Mayor of Sterling Heights to a proposed mosque in that city.
In a recent Facebook post, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor stated, “I am opposed to this mosque being built on 15 Mile Road.”
Taylor also made references to terrorists abroad in his post.
His opposition comes in the midst of recent anti-Muslim comments by residents, which have been made in two city government meetings and coincide with an anti-mosque protest of more than 200 people opposed to the proposed mosque. A planning commission hearing for the proposed mosque is set for September 10 at 7 p.m.
SEE: Muslim fears grow in Sterling Heights: ‘They scare me, they scare everybody’ (MLive)
http://www.mlive.com/…/08/muslim_fear_grows_in_sterling.html
“Mayor Taylor’s public opposition to the mosque not only calls into question his commitment to the civil rights of all residents of Sterling Heights but also his potentially wielding improper influence in upcoming proceedings relating to the mosque’s zoning,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid.
Walid also noted that CAIR-MI has contacted the Department of Justice (DOJ) mosque opposition in Sterling Heights as it relates to the potential violation of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalize Persons Act (RLUIPA).
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.