Saturday, October 07, 2006

Cabs refusing dogs for blind

In Minnesota, Muslim cab drivers are refusing service to passengers carrying alcohol—and the airport commission is allowing it to happen, instituting special rules to accommodate the intolerant drivers.
Now Britain has its own taxi scandal, as a Muslim driver refused to carry a blind passenger—and the cab company told the blind woman she should “respect other people’s culture:”
‘Unclean’ guide dog banned by Muslim cab driver.
A Muslim minicab driver refused to take a blind passenger because her guide dog was “unclean”.
Abdul Rasheed Majekodumni told Jane Vernon she could not get into his car with the dog because of his religion. Islamic tradition warns Muslims against contact with dogs because they are seen as impure.
The case emerged as Jack Straw was embroiled in a controversy over Muslim women wearing veils and the row continued after a Muslim police officer was excused guard duty at the Israeli embassy.
Today Mrs Vernon, 39, from Hammersmith, said: “This experience was very upsetting. I was tired and cold and just wanted to get home but this driver made me feel like I was a second-class citizen, like I didn’t count at all.”
Mrs Vernon, who works as a legal officer for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, added: “The owner of the minicab firm, Niven Sinclair, was also very insensitive, telling me that what had happened to me wasn’t really very important, and I should have more respect for other people’s culture. They have shown very little respect for my rights as a disabled person and have never once offered me an apology.”
The Royal National Institute for the Blind said dozens flouted the law on religious grounds.
MP Neil Gerrard, who introduced the anti-discrimination legislation, said: "There is no excuse.
"We consulted various Muslim organisations. They told us there should not be a problem."
Cabbie Abdul Rasheed Majekodunmi was this week fined £1,400 for refusing to pick up a blind woman and her dog from the BBC’s West London HQ.

It's a world wide problem

here here here here here

No comments: