FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minneapolis, MN. March 16, 2007:   Imam Husain Islamic Center of Minnesota is concerned about the recent news surrounding the Taxi drivers servicing The Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport and a Muslim cashier’s refusal to service customers who were purchasing pork-containing products. Although we hold the freedom of religion as an important foundation on which this nation was built, we are concerned that the narrow interpretations of some Muslim individuals might be understood as representing the views of all Muslims, or the true teachings of Islam.

We believe that the actions of some individuals should not be used as an excuse to judge the whole Muslim community and as such we would like to inform the American people that we disagree with these strict and unfounded interpretations of our tolerant faith. We further call for the leaders of other Muslim based organizations in Minnesota and elsewhere to take it upon themselves to educate their patrons, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, on how to handle such matters.

Chris Hawes

Chairman of Imam Husain Islamic Center Outreach Committee

Email:

ihicmn@yahoo.com

Phone: (612) 596-9066