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CAIR: Man Shouting Anti-Muslim Slurs Desecrates NY Mosque
Muslim civil rights group renews call for official response to growing anti-Muslim bigotry

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/26/10) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today renewed its call for a strong response by public officials to growing anti-Muslim bigotry nationwide following another hate incident targeting an American mosque.

The New York chapter of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR-NY) reports that a man entered the Iman Mosque in Queens, N.Y., during a prayer service last night and shouted anti-Muslim slurs as he urinated on prayer rugs. The man, who was charged with criminal trespass, allegedly called the worshippers "terrorists."

SEE: 'Drunk' Desecration at Mosque (New York Post)

Last night, CAIR reported that a mosque in California was vandalized recently with a brick and hate signs referring to the controversy over a planned Islamic community center inNew York City.

CAIR said vandals targeting a Madera, Calif., Islamic center left signs stating "No Temple for the God of terrorism at Ground Zero. ANB," "Wake up America, the Enemy is here. ANB" and "American Nationalist Brotherhood."

SEE: Calif. Mosque Vandalized with Hate Signs Referring to NY Controversy
CAIR: Is It Too Late for the Pro-Mosque Movement?
Video: CAIR-OH Rep Decries Anti-Mosque Campaign

Also yesterday, CAIR called on religious and political leaders to repudiate growingIslamophobia following an attack on a New York taxi driver who was allegedly stabbed by a passenger who had asked him if he was Muslim.

SEE: Cabbie Stabbed After Fare Asked, 'Are You Muslim?'
CAIR: Rider Asks if Cabby Is Muslim, Then Stabs Him (NY Times)
Video: CAIR Rep Discusses NY Stabbing with Keith Olbermann

"Without a significant response by mainstream political leaders, this disturbing trend will only continue to grow," said CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali. "We ask that this incident be treated as a hate crime and that relevant charges be brought against the alleged perpetrator."

She singled out New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his strong support for American Muslim religious and civil rights and urged other elected officials to follow his lead. Ali also noted that a Florida church plans to burn Qurans, Islam's revealed text, on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

SEE: CAIR: Pastor's Plan to Burn Korans Adds to Dangers

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.