Storm of paranoia and hate erupts in Florida town after photo shows Muslims praying at beach

[yuiyoshida]

A photo taken by a Florida county commissioner of a group of men observing their Muslim faith has ignited a racist backlash that spilled over into a recent government meeting, WTXL reports.

The photo was taken at Mashes Sands Beach in Wakulla County by county commission chairman Ralph Thomas and posted to his Facebook page with the caption, “Walked up on this at Mashes Sands this evening! First time seeing this in Wakulla County.” The photo has sparked an emotional storm that has included death threats.

“I’m raising the question of whether or not a group of military aged Muslim men… are praying on our beach, well label me whatever you want,” said Wakulla County Sheriff candidate Will Dance, according to WTXL. “The reason I brought this up is because my daughters use that beach, my wife uses that beach and gentlemen, under Sharia Law, the cutoff shorts and tee-shirts… that my family wears on that beach are considered offensive under Sharia and any Muslim man may carry out what he feels is fit punishment. And I’m sorry but that type of behavior cannot happen here.”

Muslim leader Imam Amro was interviewed by WTXL and assured people that in general, no Muslim would retaliate against anyone not wearing modest clothes because it’s none of their business.

http://www.rawstory.com/2015/10/storm-of-paranoia-and-hate-erupts-in-florida-town-after-photo-shows-muslims-praying-at-beach/

[shenmue]

1. Someone slap them with a copy of the First Amendment

[madaboutharry]

2. The amount of hate in this country is just sad.

I dont think we will ever get past it.

[ohheckyeah]

3. I'm ashamed and

saddened to admit it would make me uncomfortable if I had witnessed it. I certainly don't hate Muslims but the attitude of some, maybe most (I don't know) toward women makes me struggle with it.

I live in an area you don't see anything that obviously denotes being Muslim. Maybe if I knew some personally it would help.

I believe everyone has the right to believe in any or no religion and would never post a picture and cause a shit storm.

I'm working on not looking at Muslims with discomfort.

[LuvNewcastle]

4. If this guy wins the election after posting

this garbage, I hope I never end up in Wakulla County. You'd think he'd "walked up on" some men eating a baby, the way he's reacting.

[HuskyOffset]

5. He should read Leviticus some time

Pretty scary stuff in there, makes me nervous to be around Christians, especially when I'm at Red Lobster wearing polyester/cotton blends.