Over 60 Gather to Protest Building of Pompano Mosque

July 12, 2006

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-ctension12jul12,0,3900338.story

On July 12, 2006 the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported, "Dozens of black residents, joined by some whites and Hispanics, rallied Tuesday in front of City Hall to protest plans to move a mosque into the predominantly black northwest area. More than 60 people responded to a call by a group of ministers for the protest, demanding that the City Commission rescind the permission it gave the Islamic Center of South Florida to move into the neighborhood. The mosque plans to build a 29,000-square-foot center on a 4.8-acre site where residents want to see affordable homes. 'A mosque is more needed in a community where you have Muslim people already dwelling,' said the Rev. Aaron Wiggins of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. 'I believe they are trying to expand their territory,' he said. 'They are bringing Islam in a Christian community.' Led by the Rev. O'Neal Dozier of the Worldwide Christian Center, protesters carried signs opposing the relocation of the mosque from the city's northeast area. Some called Muslims 'dangerous' and 'terrorists.' Dozier, who last week called Islam a cult, said in an interview commissioners face repercussions at the ballot box if they do not change the June 14 decision. If the commissioners didn't change their minds, Dozier said, he would sue the city."