CALIFORNIANS ASKED TO REPUDIATE MAYOR’S ANTI-MUSLIM REMARKS

Mayor: ‘Either the Judeo-Christian philosophy will survive or the Islamic philosophy will survive’

(SACRAMENTO, CA, 9/11/06) - The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today called on Californians to repudiate remarks insulting to Muslims made by a mayor in the northern part of that state.

CAIR-SV said that Redding, Calif., Mayor Ken Murray claimed Shia Muslims “believe it’s acceptable to lie, cheat, steal and kill as long as it ultimately glorifies Allah.” “Folks, they’re not like us,” said Murray.

When asked about his offensive remarks, Murray drew a distinction between “mainstream” and Shia Muslims, who he called “wing nuts.” “Either the Judeo-Christian philosophy will survive or the Islamic philosophy will survive,” said Murray.

Murray’s comments came during an event on Thursday of last week co-sponsored by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department, the Shasta County Jail Chaplaincy and the Marshal’s Office. District Attorney Jerry Benito, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko and Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) also took part in the event.

SEE: Officials Voice Religious Views (Record Searchlight)

“The unthinking bigotry and ignorance of such remarks are unworthy of an American public official and should be repudiated by all those who seek tolerance and mutual understanding,” said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra.

Local Islamic leaders tell CAIR-SV there are some 15 Muslim families in Redding.

CAIR has 32 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. 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.