San Diego Muslims Cheer Return of Ramadan Banners Following Controversy Over City Codes
By Michelle Morgante Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 28, 2004
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Banners celebrating the Muslim holy month of Ramadan were again flying from a neighborhood's light posts, a week after the city removed them in a dispute that drew protests and claims of hypocrisy.
Abdur-Rahim Hameed said he cried with joy Wednesday when he saw the 2-by-6-foot banners, which have been raised annually for six years.
"It was just like the 'Grinch Who Stole Christmas,'" he said.
Hameed was among several entrepreneurs in the Diamond Business Improvement District who objected when a city code enforcement officer ordered the removal of the banners, which say Ramadan Mubarak, or Blessed Ramadan, around a star and crescent moon.
It was somewhat unclear why the 16 banners were taken down. Bob Didion, a deputy director with the city's Department of Development Services, said someone complained to the code enforcement office, and a check found there was no permit for them.
But a city Web site also said such banners could not have religious content - a message that was conveyed to the Diamond district when the removal order came. Didion, however, said religious content was not a factor. There is no such restriction in city codes and the Web site information was incorrect.
Still, Hameed and others accused city officials of hypocrisy since symbols of Christian holidays, such as Christmas trees, lights, and doves, are commonly tolerated in December.
"The double standard is not going to work," Hameed said. "Our young people are fighting abroad for freedom. But when they see this type of hypocrisy being displayed, it's disturbing."
John Stump, a lawyer for the Diamond district, said he believed the banner permit issued in 1998 remained valid. But after negotiations late Tuesday, both sides agreed the banners could rise again if the district renewed their permits.
In the meantime, the dispute prompted media coverage and led the national Council on American-Islamic Relations to rally supporters to e-mail the city in protest.
Ramadan marks the time when the Muslim holy book the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed and is marked with fasting and religious reflection.
AP-ES-10-28-04 0533EDT |
