Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Hassan Shibly, CAIR, dispels myths about Islam at St. Petersburg College
Hassan Shibly, CAIR, dispels myths about Islam at St. Petersburg College
Muslim taxi drivers file complaint over prayer at work
By John W. Davis, Reporter | cfNews13 | March 13, 2012 | [Original Article]
"ORLANDO --Eight Central Florida Muslim workers are filing complaints with the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Star Taxi, which is a transportation company based in Orlando...
...“I think in America, everybody has the right to practice his religion freely," explained Behassine, who said someone took a picture of him praying and that he was fired later that evening...
...They are being represented by the Florida Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with the law firm of Hudson and Calleja... [Read More]
..."These muslim employees are not asking to be treated differently. They want to be treated the same as Christian and Jewish employees and employees of any other faith for that matter," said Attorney Robert Hudson...
...Shibly continued his thought by saying that if other drivers if are allowed to smoke or read the bible on breaks, muslims should be allowed to pray on their breaks...
...Benhassine said his first priority is taking care of his 2 boys, and 7 month old baby girl. That's why he taken his own minvan and turned it into a one man taxi operation,“So now I decided to just go out on my own, because somehow I have to bring food to the table," Benhassine concluded... [Read More]
"ORLANDO --Eight Central Florida Muslim workers are filing complaints with the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Star Taxi, which is a transportation company based in Orlando...
...“I think in America, everybody has the right to practice his religion freely," explained Behassine, who said someone took a picture of him praying and that he was fired later that evening...
...They are being represented by the Florida Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with the law firm of Hudson and Calleja... [Read More]
..."These muslim employees are not asking to be treated differently. They want to be treated the same as Christian and Jewish employees and employees of any other faith for that matter," said Attorney Robert Hudson...
...Shibly continued his thought by saying that if other drivers if are allowed to smoke or read the bible on breaks, muslims should be allowed to pray on their breaks...
...Benhassine said his first priority is taking care of his 2 boys, and 7 month old baby girl. That's why he taken his own minvan and turned it into a one man taxi operation,“So now I decided to just go out on my own, because somehow I have to bring food to the table," Benhassine concluded... [Read More]
Muslim Drivers Claim Hostile Work Environment at Orlando Taxi Co.
Kenric Ward | SunShineStateNews |March 13, 2012 | [Original Article]
"The Arab-American employees claim that Star Taxi discriminated against them and their Islam religion by prohibiting them from praying...
...The complaints were to be filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by the Miami law firm of Hudson & Calleja...
..."It's pretty outrageous to bar Muslim employees from praying in private on their breaks when other employees are smoking or reading their Bibles or going to the bathroom," said Hassan Shibly, director of the Florida Council of American-Islamic Relations..." [Read More]
...The complaints were to be filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by the Miami law firm of Hudson & Calleja...
..."It's pretty outrageous to bar Muslim employees from praying in private on their breaks when other employees are smoking or reading their Bibles or going to the bathroom," said Hassan Shibly, director of the Florida Council of American-Islamic Relations..." [Read More]
American Muslims Allege Discrimination & Hostility At Star Taxi
By Mark Christopher | Sunshine Slate | March 13, 2012 | [Original Article]
"[Kissimmee, FL] Today, a news conference will be held in Kissimmee announcing that eight Arab-American Muslims are filing multiple Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) employment discrimination complaints for being discriminated against at their workplace because of their religion and national origin....
...One of the eight complainants – a former driver for Star Taxi – alleges that they were wrongfully terminated after being assaulted for attempting to pray in the back of the Premium Outlet Orlando while on his break...
...Hassan Shibly, the Executive Director of CAIR-Tampa, applauded the bill’s failure [HB1209, SB1360] in a statement, saying that CAIR, “will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America.”
...One of the eight complainants – a former driver for Star Taxi – alleges that they were wrongfully terminated after being assaulted for attempting to pray in the back of the Premium Outlet Orlando while on his break...
...Hassan Shibly, the Executive Director of CAIR-Tampa, applauded the bill’s failure [HB1209, SB1360] in a statement, saying that CAIR, “will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America.”
...The backing of the Arab-American Muslim employees of Star Taxi in their complaints against the company continues CAIR’s efforts..." [Read More]
Muslim Cab Drivers Claim Employer Barred Them From Praying
By Claire Gordon |AOL Jobs | Mar 13th, 2012 | [Original Article]
"Eight Muslim cab drivers in Orlando, Fla., claim their employer prohibited them from praying during work hours, and even assaulted and fired one of them for doing so. Now they're filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging that they were discriminated against on the basis of their religion and national origin....
...The eight Arab-American employees worked for Star Taxi, a member of the Transtar Transportation Group, which provides taxi, luxury SUV and limousine services in the Orlando area...
..."When other employees are allowed to go on a smoke break, or read the Bible, Muslim employees are prohibited from praying," said Hassan Shibly...
...Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it's illegal for employers to discriminate against anyone on the basis of his or her religion, which means making "reasonable accommodation" for any religious needs. "They're not asking for accommodation," says Shibly. "Their prayers only take around five minutes. They're asking not to be harassed...
"They came to this country because of religious freedom," says Shibly. "It's shameful this is happening in America."..." [Read More]
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Eight cab drivers claim their boss made them choose between prayer and their job
By Allison Morrow | ABC ActionNews | March 13, 2012 | [Original Article]
"ORLANDO - It's often said, "A picture's worth 1,000 words," but for the man in a picture taken a few months ago at Orlando's Premium Outlets, the picture was worth his job...[Read More]
..."The place that we pray at is over here," Mohamed BenHassine said, pointing to an area of the outlet mall, beside a dumpster....
...He and seven other Star Taxi drivers claim management threatened to fire them if they prayed while on the job...
..."Either you practice your religion or you lose your job," BenHassine said. "I don't think that's fair in this country."...
..."For the average practicing Muslim, it's like asking them to stop eating food," said CAIR Director Hassan Shibly. "It's integral. It's the soul of our life."...
..."This is a clear case of violation of state, federal and local law," said Hudson & Calleja attorney Michael Hanna, who is representing the drivers."The most important thing is to bring this type of discrimination to light."..." [Read More]
"ORLANDO - It's often said, "A picture's worth 1,000 words," but for the man in a picture taken a few months ago at Orlando's Premium Outlets, the picture was worth his job...[Read More]
..."The place that we pray at is over here," Mohamed BenHassine said, pointing to an area of the outlet mall, beside a dumpster....
...He and seven other Star Taxi drivers claim management threatened to fire them if they prayed while on the job...
..."Either you practice your religion or you lose your job," BenHassine said. "I don't think that's fair in this country."...
..."For the average practicing Muslim, it's like asking them to stop eating food," said CAIR Director Hassan Shibly. "It's integral. It's the soul of our life."...
..."This is a clear case of violation of state, federal and local law," said Hudson & Calleja attorney Michael Hanna, who is representing the drivers."The most important thing is to bring this type of discrimination to light."..." [Read More]
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sharia law bill dies as Florida’s legislative session ends
By Ashley Lopez | TheFloridaIndependant | Mar. 12, 2012 | [Original Article]
"...A controversial bill aimed at restricting the “application of foreign law” (specifically Sharia law) in courts in Florida died on the floor of the state Senate late last Friday night, as the 2012 Legislative session came to a close...
...The bill was one of the more controversial measures introduced in the Legislature this year. If passed, the bill would have outlawed the use of “foreign law” in family court cases...
...Hassan Shibly, the executive director of CAIR-Tampa, said in a statement following the end of session that the bill’s failure “sends a strong message that we will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America.”...
...“Our victory tonight is a great example of how the interfaith and civil rights community united can make a positive difference for all Americans,” Shibly said...[Read More]
"...A controversial bill aimed at restricting the “application of foreign law” (specifically Sharia law) in courts in Florida died on the floor of the state Senate late last Friday night, as the 2012 Legislative session came to a close...
...The bill was one of the more controversial measures introduced in the Legislature this year. If passed, the bill would have outlawed the use of “foreign law” in family court cases...
...Hassan Shibly, the executive director of CAIR-Tampa, said in a statement following the end of session that the bill’s failure “sends a strong message that we will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America.”...
...“Our victory tonight is a great example of how the interfaith and civil rights community united can make a positive difference for all Americans,” Shibly said...[Read More]
If a nonexistent threat surfaces, he'll fight it
By Daniel Ruth | Tampa Bay Times | March 9, 2012 | [Original Article]
"...But if state Sen. Alan Hays, R-The Crusades, is to be believed, it's only a matter of time before we will be forced to pray five times a day in the general direction of Two Egg...
...Yes, brothers and sisters, we have entered that twilight zone of the waning hours of this year's session of the Florida Legislature, democracy's answer to a Three Stooges pie fight. This is when all the paranoid, lunatic fringe conspiracy theorists, who make Oliver Stone seem downright stable, come out to play spin the black helicopter... [Read More]
...Hays is the sponsor of a bill that would void marriage, divorce and custody contracts grounded in foreign law. But the real effect of the measure is to address a burning, critical, vital issue that doesn't exist: the fear on the part of the jack-booted storm trooper-at-the-gates community that there is a plot to impose Islamic sharia law on Americans...
...After all, it was Hays who has been handing out copies of Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution. Alan Hays anti-Islam? Whatever gave anyone that idea?...
...A group of clerics, including a rabbi, a pastor and an imam wanted to talk to Senate President Mike Haridopolos about stopping Hays and his wave of hysterical religious intolerance...[Read More]
"...But if state Sen. Alan Hays, R-The Crusades, is to be believed, it's only a matter of time before we will be forced to pray five times a day in the general direction of Two Egg...
...Yes, brothers and sisters, we have entered that twilight zone of the waning hours of this year's session of the Florida Legislature, democracy's answer to a Three Stooges pie fight. This is when all the paranoid, lunatic fringe conspiracy theorists, who make Oliver Stone seem downright stable, come out to play spin the black helicopter... [Read More]
...Hays is the sponsor of a bill that would void marriage, divorce and custody contracts grounded in foreign law. But the real effect of the measure is to address a burning, critical, vital issue that doesn't exist: the fear on the part of the jack-booted storm trooper-at-the-gates community that there is a plot to impose Islamic sharia law on Americans...
...After all, it was Hays who has been handing out copies of Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution. Alan Hays anti-Islam? Whatever gave anyone that idea?...
...A group of clerics, including a rabbi, a pastor and an imam wanted to talk to Senate President Mike Haridopolos about stopping Hays and his wave of hysterical religious intolerance...[Read More]
Religious leaders: Florida's anti-Sharia bills are "an attack on all religions"
By Janelle Irwin | WMNF 88.5 | March 7, 2012 | [Original Article]
"Multi-denominational religious leaders and advocacy groups came together in Tampa to speak out against twin bills in the Florida House and Senate. The measures would ban Foreign Laws from use in Florida courtrooms. Speakers at the press conference this afternoon said the proposed law is an attack on religious freedom...
"He compared the efforts in Florida to pass so-called anti-Sharia legislation to a similar law passed in Oklahoma. That law was declared unconstitutional. But, Oklahoma’s version contained specific language pertaining to Muslim faith and Sharia Law. The twin bills in Florida just use the term “foreign law”...
"Multi-denominational religious leaders and advocacy groups came together in Tampa to speak out against twin bills in the Florida House and Senate. The measures would ban Foreign Laws from use in Florida courtrooms. Speakers at the press conference this afternoon said the proposed law is an attack on religious freedom...
Religious and advocacy leaders
oppose anti-Sharia Law bill
"An identical version of the bill will be heard in the Senate tomorrow. Shibley said he’s afraid the bill will pass because there are too many politicians willing to give into the promotion of fear and hatred of Muslims. He called the legislation anti-American...." [Read More]
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Schools to limit outside speakers: Display of intolerance
"At the last three Hillsborough County School Board meetings, a great deal of time was spent discussing the policy for inviting speakers into the classrooms. A group of very vocal but misinformed people are upset that a high school teacher invited Hassan Shibly, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, to speak to a world religion class about Islam.
...The group claimed this was not about Islam but about who was invited to speak. However, their behavior made it clear to me that this was about Islam, and about hatred...
There were also a number of speakers, including myself, who actually know Shibly and have worked with CAIR. Some of these speakers represented Christians. All of us spoke positively about Shibly and about CAIR, and we attempted to correct some of the misinformation we heard...
First, he is not a terrorist and he is qualified to speak about Islam, since he is an imam. And CAIR does not support terrorism. CAIR was formed to counter stereotypes about Muslims and to work for civil liberties. Discussion of Christianity, like all religions, is allowed in the schools. Jews, Christians and Muslims come from the same tradition and worship the same God." [Read More]
...The group claimed this was not about Islam but about who was invited to speak. However, their behavior made it clear to me that this was about Islam, and about hatred...
There were also a number of speakers, including myself, who actually know Shibly and have worked with CAIR. Some of these speakers represented Christians. All of us spoke positively about Shibly and about CAIR, and we attempted to correct some of the misinformation we heard...
First, he is not a terrorist and he is qualified to speak about Islam, since he is an imam. And CAIR does not support terrorism. CAIR was formed to counter stereotypes about Muslims and to work for civil liberties. Discussion of Christianity, like all religions, is allowed in the schools. Jews, Christians and Muslims come from the same tradition and worship the same God." [Read More]
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Anti-Muslim Bill defeated in Florida
By Kenric Ward | SunshineStateNews | March 10, 2012 | [Original Article]
"A leading Muslim group hailed the defeat of "anti-Sharia" legislation at the Florida Senate Friday...
..."This is a great success not only for the Muslim community, but for all Americans who believe in the constitutional protections of freedom of religion," said Hassan Shibly, Florida director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations...
..."This sends a strong message that we will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America. Our victory tonight is a great example of how the interfaith and civil rights community united can make a positive difference for all Americans."...
...Delegations from CAIR this week visited more than 100 congressional offices to press for several pieces of federal legislation... [Read More]
"A leading Muslim group hailed the defeat of "anti-Sharia" legislation at the Florida Senate Friday...
..."This is a great success not only for the Muslim community, but for all Americans who believe in the constitutional protections of freedom of religion," said Hassan Shibly, Florida director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations...
..."This sends a strong message that we will not tolerate legislation intended to demonize, attack, and marginalize religious minorities in America. Our victory tonight is a great example of how the interfaith and civil rights community united can make a positive difference for all Americans."...
...Delegations from CAIR this week visited more than 100 congressional offices to press for several pieces of federal legislation... [Read More]
After Easy House Passage, 'Anti-Sharia' Bill Dies in Senate
By Kenric Ward | SunshineStateNews | March 10, 2012 | [Original Article]
"Assailed by Muslim groups and quashed by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, an "anti-Sharia" law bill died in the Florida Legislature on Friday...
...But Hays' bill became ensnared in a late-breaking political controversy when proponents distributed fliers and a pamphlet decrying the alleged intrusion of Islamic law into America's courts...
...The Council on American-Islamic Relations and another Muslim group, United Voices for America, condemned the leaflets, as well as the legislation -- even though the bill did not specifically reference Sharia or any religious law...
...A delegation of Muslim and other religious leaders met with Haridopolos' chief of staff earlier in the week to demand that Hays' measure be postponed pending an investigation of the fliers...
...Hays, who was not immediately available to comment, distributed the pamphlet entitled "Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution."... [Read More]
...But Hays' bill became ensnared in a late-breaking political controversy when proponents distributed fliers and a pamphlet decrying the alleged intrusion of Islamic law into America's courts...
...The Council on American-Islamic Relations and another Muslim group, United Voices for America, condemned the leaflets, as well as the legislation -- even though the bill did not specifically reference Sharia or any religious law...
...A delegation of Muslim and other religious leaders met with Haridopolos' chief of staff earlier in the week to demand that Hays' measure be postponed pending an investigation of the fliers...
...Hays, who was not immediately available to comment, distributed the pamphlet entitled "Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution."... [Read More]
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Citing 'Demonizing' Fliers, Muslims Want 'Anti-Sharia' Bill Pulled
By Kenric Ward | March 8, 2012 | SunshineStateNews | [Original Article]
"Religious and political temperatures rose Wednesday on the eve of a Senate vote on "anti-Sharia" legislation...
...Muslim groups, joined by an array of religious leaders, condemned the distribution of literature criticizing Islamic law. One of the pieces, a pamphlet titled "Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution,” was circulated by Sen. Alan Hays, sponsor of Senate Bill 1360...
...The measure, which would restrict foreign laws from being used in Florida courts, was also assailed by the Rev. Russell Meyer of the Florida Council of Churches, Catholic Bishop Chuck Leigh and the Rev. Bernice Powell Jackson of the First United Church of Tampa...
...“An attack on one religion is an attack on all," Meyer asserted...
...If Hays' measure passes, as appears likely, CAIR says it will ask Gov. Rick Scott to veto it. Failing that, Shibly said his group is preparing to challenge it on constitutional grounds..."[Read More]
...Muslim groups, joined by an array of religious leaders, condemned the distribution of literature criticizing Islamic law. One of the pieces, a pamphlet titled "Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution,” was circulated by Sen. Alan Hays, sponsor of Senate Bill 1360...
...Hassan Shibly, director of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, "Within 24 hours the Florida House passed a bill to allow student-led prayer in public schools, and yet another to attack Islam and Muslims."... [Read More]
...The measure, which would restrict foreign laws from being used in Florida courts, was also assailed by the Rev. Russell Meyer of the Florida Council of Churches, Catholic Bishop Chuck Leigh and the Rev. Bernice Powell Jackson of the First United Church of Tampa...
...“An attack on one religion is an attack on all," Meyer asserted...
...If Hays' measure passes, as appears likely, CAIR says it will ask Gov. Rick Scott to veto it. Failing that, Shibly said his group is preparing to challenge it on constitutional grounds..."[Read More]
Anti-Sharia flyers circulate Senate hallways
By Brittany Davis | Naked Politics | March 6, 2012 | [Original Article]
"Anti-Sharia flyers and booklets are circulating the Senate hallways as lawmakers prepare for a possible vote on a measure that would ban foreign law in Florida courts...
...One booklet, distributed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, sponsor of SB 1360, is called “Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's threat to the U.S. Constitution.” He said his intent is to educate people on Islam and Sharia Law, a Koran-based code followed in some Islamic countries...
...Hays's bill would ban courts or other legal authorities from using religious or foreign law as a part of a legal decision or contract. For example, Florida law would trump foreign law in marriage, divorce and custody cases. The companion bill passed Thursday in the House by a 92-24 vote...
...Islamic and Jewish groups as well as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Family Law section of the Florida Bar criticize the bill as targeting Islam, but Hays and House sponsor Rep. Larry Metz, R-Eustis, insist that’s not true. Neither could point to a Florida case in which a ruling based on foreign code was upheld by courts...
...“People need to realize the fear mongering,” Rich said. “We are not in danger of being ruled by Sharia Law in the United States, and it’s a fear tactic.”... [Read More]
...One booklet, distributed by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, sponsor of SB 1360, is called “Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's threat to the U.S. Constitution.” He said his intent is to educate people on Islam and Sharia Law, a Koran-based code followed in some Islamic countries...
...Hays's bill would ban courts or other legal authorities from using religious or foreign law as a part of a legal decision or contract. For example, Florida law would trump foreign law in marriage, divorce and custody cases. The companion bill passed Thursday in the House by a 92-24 vote...
...Islamic and Jewish groups as well as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Family Law section of the Florida Bar criticize the bill as targeting Islam, but Hays and House sponsor Rep. Larry Metz, R-Eustis, insist that’s not true. Neither could point to a Florida case in which a ruling based on foreign code was upheld by courts...
...“People need to realize the fear mongering,” Rich said. “We are not in danger of being ruled by Sharia Law in the United States, and it’s a fear tactic.”... [Read More]
Thursday, March 1, 2012
School district should not limit advocacy groups
By The USF Oracle | March 1, 2012 | [Original Article]
"The Hillsborough County School District drafted guidelines Tuesday that would regulate outside speakers in K-12 classrooms. The changes come in response to complaints from conservative activists after Hassan Shilby, a lawyer and imam, spoke to an Advanced Placement (AP) world history class at Steinbrenner High School..
...The School Board would have no grounds to investigate an organization for presumed terrorism and assuming something based on rumors would discourage students from accepting others... [Read More]
...A school should welcome members of all beliefs. Exposing students to multiple life philosophies and providing them with the tools necessary to develop their own opinions about the world around them...
...A class such as AP world history that brings college-level material to high school sophomores would be an appropriate place to introduce students to speakers of other world religions...
... It would seem that the issue [Inviting a Muslim speaker] stemmed from xenophobia rather than the actions of advocacy groups themselves...
...Just as Florida schools are required to teach abstinence education to students, they are also required to teach diversity.
...Eliminating these speakers may limit the exposure many students have to people of other faiths...[Read More]
"The Hillsborough County School District drafted guidelines Tuesday that would regulate outside speakers in K-12 classrooms. The changes come in response to complaints from conservative activists after Hassan Shilby, a lawyer and imam, spoke to an Advanced Placement (AP) world history class at Steinbrenner High School..
...The School Board would have no grounds to investigate an organization for presumed terrorism and assuming something based on rumors would discourage students from accepting others... [Read More]
...A school should welcome members of all beliefs. Exposing students to multiple life philosophies and providing them with the tools necessary to develop their own opinions about the world around them...
...A class such as AP world history that brings college-level material to high school sophomores would be an appropriate place to introduce students to speakers of other world religions...
... It would seem that the issue [Inviting a Muslim speaker] stemmed from xenophobia rather than the actions of advocacy groups themselves...
...Just as Florida schools are required to teach abstinence education to students, they are also required to teach diversity.
...Eliminating these speakers may limit the exposure many students have to people of other faiths...[Read More]
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