Critics slam 'shameful' ad that will run during 9/11
anniversary
Islam promotion to hit NYC subway in September
Muslim group pays US $ 48, 000 to run ads about understanding
Islam (File)
NEW YORK (AFP)
A U.S.-based Muslim group has stirred controversy in New York
with its plan to launch in September a campaign promoting
Islam in advertisements on the New York City subway.
The campaign coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan,
as well as the seventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001
attacks on the United States.
"You deserve to know," the ads posted in subway cars will
read, offering the tagline and contact information for the
Islamic Circle of North America as a response to "questions"
about the Prophet Mohammed and Islam.
The group is paying the Metropolitan Transit Authority 48,000
dollars to run the ads.
The Islamic Circle of North America describes itself as "a
leader in pioneering up to date strategies to better convey
the true understanding of Islam to others and clarify many of
the misconceptions of Islam," its website says.
"This project is executed with cooperation of several major
Islamic organizations and communities," it says.
Republican lawmaker Peter King has urged the MTA to cancel the
campaign.
"I strongly believe the MTA should pull the ads," King said.
"They are especially shameful because the ads will be running
during the seventh anniversary of September 11, and because
the subways are considered a primary target of terrorists."
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