Wednesday, January 17, 2007

DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - MINNESOTA: MOSLEM CABBIES MAY FACE A CRACK DOWN FOR THEIR REFUSALS OF SERVICE

Minnesota Muslim taxi drivers could face crackdown

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Muslim cab drivers at Minnesota's biggest airport are facing a possible crackdown for refusing to give rides to travelers carrying liquor or accompanied by dogs, an official said on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission has authorized a public hearing next month on a staff proposal to increase penalties for refusing fares, spokesman Patrick Hogan said.

A large number of taxi drivers in the area of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are Muslim Somali immigrants.

Many of them say they feel the faith's ban on alcohol consumption includes transporting anyone carrying it. Some have also refused to transport dogs, both pets and guide dogs, saying they are unclean.

Under the proposal -- which is also aimed at drivers who refuse to take short-haul passengers in favor of more lucrative long trips -- a first offense would result in a 30-day cab license suspension and a second a two-year license revocation.

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Pertinent Links:

1) Minnesota Muslim taxi drivers could face crackdown

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I sure hope they let these cab drivers do what they want. It's entirely anti-American to prevent someone from living their life in line with their religious beliefs.

But I bet progressives and ideological Christians will aim the other way.

As if there was an article in the Constitution that said all Americans have a right to a speedy taxi service or something.