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http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=4&id=9535

Updated: January 5th, 2007 01:03 PM PDT
Home > Airport News
"Twin Cities Airport Considers Rule that Could Sideline Some Muslim Cabbies"

The Associated Press

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Last year, the airports commission received a fatwa, or religious edict, from the Minnesota chapter of the Muslim American Society saying "Islamic jurisprudence" prohibits taxi drivers from carrying passengers with alcohol, "because it involves cooperating in sin according to Islam."

In the Quran, Muslims are barred from consuming intoxicants - generally understood as alcohol, though the prohibition also extends to narcotics. Devout Muslims interpret the ban to include carrying, buying or selling alcohol. Additionally, dogs are considered unclean and Muslims are required to repeat their ablutions if come into contact with them before praying.

Given the religious concerns, Hassan Mohamud, an imam and director of the Islamic Law Institute at the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, said he would ask airport officials to reconsider."

Off-Topic - Update:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1769388/posts

"Minnesota Muslim taxi drivers could face crackdown"
Reuters on Yahoo ^ | 1/17/07 | Michael Conlon

Posted on 01/17/2007 10:37:46 PM PST by NormsRevenge

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "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.

The public hearing, approved at a commission meeting on Tuesday, will be held February 27."