News

Actions

Atty: This isn't about religious discrimination

Posted
and last updated

OKTAHA, Okla. - "Save Yourself Survival and Tactical Gear" shop is under fire again.

The state's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the American Liberties Civil Union (ACLU) in Oklahoma is suing the store's owners.

The lawsuit claims the shop violated federal and state civil rights law by refusing service to Rajaee Fatihah last year for being a Muslim.

The gun range in Oktaha posted a sign in June saying it was a "Muslim-free" range. 

"For an establishment to ban someone based on their religion isn't just reprehensible - it's against the law," said Veronica Laizure, Civil Rights Director for CAIR-OK. "We hope that these owners and others around the country will comply with civil rights law and stop refusing service to customers in this manner."

According to CAIR, Fatihah was required to fill out a a standard liability form with his personal information before using the gun range, as do all customers. The group says that not long after Fatihah identified himself as Muslim that the owners "armed themselves with handguns and asked if he was at the gun range to 'commit an act of violence or as part of the jihad.'"

Attorney Robert Muise from the American Freedom Law Center who's representing the owners says this has nothing to do with religious discrimination.

"A gun supply owner or fire range owner can refuse to serve someone who they may believe is a fire safety risk. They owe it to the community,” he said.

The attorney says the store's owners refused service to the man after he started acting belligerent.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook