Left Foot Forward offers assistance to the Islamophobic right in promoting sharia hysteria. (Note that the author of the piece declares herself to be a co-thinker of Maryam Namazie, whose latest contribution to rational thought has been to wonder why World Hijab Day is not being followed by days celebrating other supposedly Islamic customs such as female genital mutilation and child marriages.)
Fourth mosque targeted in France last weekend
The Collectif contre l’Islamophobie en France reports that in addition to those at Ozoir-La-Ferrière and Besançon, a fourth mosque was the target of an Islamophobic act this weekend: at Meximieux in eastern France. On Saturday mosque officials found an envelope containing slices of ham in the mailbox. When they went to the police station to lodge a complaint, officers refused to register it on the grounds that the letter only contained pork and was not accompanied by a letter with insults or threats.
‘Racial’ messages left on Essex Police Facebook page despite review
Southend Masjid in Westcliff-on-Sea – targeted by vandals
Some “deeply offensive” messages were allowed to remain on Essex Police’s Facebook page despite being reviewed by staff.
The constabulary placed an appeal about smashed windows at Southend Mosque on its Facebook page. But the post, to which anybody with a Facebook account could respond, led to a number of “unacceptable” messages.
The force said it would be reviewing policies following “an unprecedented level of racially emotive language”.
Doncaster mayor quits English Democrats ‘because of BNP’
Peter Davies, the mayor of Doncaster, has resigned from the English Democrats claiming there has been a big influx of new members joining from the British National Party.
Mr Davies, who was elected to the post in 2009, had planned to stand for a second term at May’s local elections. He will now continue in office as an independent until the poll.
Party chairman Robin Tilbrook said he was saddened at the development but denied the party had been infiltrated.
Republican women’s organisation in Virginia to hear that ‘hijab is a catalyst for Islamic terrorism’
The Republican Women of Clifton will welcome three distinguished individuals at its February meeting. Dr. Ileana Johnson, the bestselling author of “U.N. Agenda 21: Environmental Piracy” will be joined by Stephanie Reis, the founder of the Omaha ACT for America Chapter and property rights advocate Martha Boneta.
“To preserve freedom in America, we must keep informed about the forces working to destroy our liberty so we can combat them,” said RWC President Alice Butler-Short. “Two of those forces are U.N. Agenda 21 and Sharia Law, and our speakers will give us insights into how these are undermining our country.”
Reis is the founder and former leader of the Omaha ACT for America Chapter, and will discuss the treatment of women in Islamic society and how the Hijab is a catalyst for Islamic terrorism.
Minnesota: police join Muslims in denouncing photo mocking hijab
An Internet-spread photo of a St. Paul Police officer wearing lipstick and a hijab, the traditional outfit for Muslim women, has angered community activists and spurred a department investigation.
“I was literally sick to my stomach,” said Ramla Bile of Minneapolis. “My identity is not a costume, and it’s not OK for cultures to be turned into caricatures.”
Police Chief Thomas Smith immediately opened an investigation. Police spokesman Howie Padilla confirmed that an officer is depicted in the picture, but could not release his identity Monday.
“The St. Paul Police Department has worked hard to establish a strong and respectful relationship with our Muslim communities, and I will not allow these types of images to erode that relationship,” Smith said in a written statement. “Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the city of St. Paul, and we expect each one of our officers to respect and take pride in serving each of our diverse communities.”
If Islamic males can’t control themselves, is castration the answer?
The question is posed by US radio talk show host Laurie Roth.
Community groups unite in reaction to far-right plans for Berwick demo
Community groups from both sides of the border are preparing to unite in the face of provocation from a right-wing pressure group.
Bodies including the transport union RMT, the Berwick upon Tweed and District Trades Union Council and Unite Against Fascism have banded together to form the Berwick & Borders Anti Fascist Alliance.
The move comes ahead of a protest by the Scottish Defence League (Borders Division) scheduled to take place in Berwick on Saturday, February 16.
Gavin Boby addresses small meeting at Ottowa public library
A controversial British lawyer spoke in Ottawa despite protest from groups who oppose his opinion, which is that mosques should not be built in non-Muslim areas.
Gavin Boby spoke in front of 40 people at the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library Monday evening as protesters stood outside the branch at the corner of Metcalfe Street and Laurier Avenue West.
Boby, who is also an activist, is known for using zoning regulations to try to stop mosques from opening in areas he considers “non-Muslim.”
He told the CBC’s Simon Gardner before the speech he does not want views of Islam to dictate certain neighbourhoods. “Increasingly what we are seeing now is self-declared Muslim areas where you get Muslim patrols saying you can’t walk a dog, wear a skirt,” he said.
Launch of anti-racist group ‘Sunderland Together’
Fascists protesting in Millfield against plan for new mosque
A project that aims to unite communities across Sunderland has launched in the City.
‘Sunderland Together’ was formed as a response to a series of violent protests at the site of a new mosque on St Marks Road in Millfield, which saw far-right groups clash with anti-fascists and members of the Muslim community.
The newly established organisation hopes to provide an alternative to extremism with the aim of tackling discrimination and building understanding and tolerance.
The project launch, attended by members of the public, trade unions, politicians and representatives from faith communities, has received the backing of the public sector trade union UNISON.
Helen Coomer, Regional Organiser, UNISON, said: “Sunderland Together is about recognising the value of diversity and inclusivity and creating a city that is free from bigotry and prejudice.”
Sky Tyne and Wear, 3 February 2013
Via ENGAGE