Grad Michigan brani se od optužbi da favorizira muslimanske praznike nad drugim vjerama

Abortion advocates in Indiana have filed a lawsuit arguing that the state's near-total abortion ban violates their constitutional right to free exercise of religion. The case comes as the Indiana Supreme Court considers whether such restrictions infringe upon religious freedoms. Advocates claim that having an abortion aligns with their personal religious or moral beliefs, and therefore, laws restricting access to abortion should be viewed through the lens of religious liberty. This argument echoes a 1972 legal theory proposed by some scholars, which suggested that a woman's decision to terminate a pregnancy could be considered an act of religious expression. According to this view, since the government has no compelling interest in protecting fetal life, such laws would be unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Meanwhile, in Dearborn, Michigan, a city known for its large Arab-American population, officials are defending themselves against allegations of favoring Muslim holidays over those of other faiths. A lawsuit claims the city spends public funds on Islamic celebrations while neglecting Christian and Jewish observances. The suit, brought by journalist Margot Cleveland, alleges that the city's mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, has created a hostile environment for non-Muslim residents. It cites instances where the city spent $1,500 on Ramadan banners and $5,000 on a crescent-moon symbol in Peace Park, while failing to mark Easter or Passover similarly. Cleveland argues that these actions violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments by discriminating against minority religions. In response, the city stated it has always committed to treating all residents equally, regardless of faith. It blamed recent attacks on its diversity and welcoming nature, noting that the city has faced criticism for years. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a judicial ruling that the city has breached constitutional protections. The city's stance contrasts with claims that Hammoud has expressed disdain toward Christians and Jews, including during a heated exchange with Pastor Ted Barham. The dispute escalated following a 2025 confrontation at a City Council meeting, where Hammoud reportedly criticized Barham for opposing a street named after Osama Siblani, a man linked to groups labeled as terrorist organizations. Hammoud later clarified that his comments were directed at an individual, not a faith group, emphasizing that Dearborn welcomes all communities.