http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/12/30/mosque.pig.ap/index.html
KATY, Texas (AP) -- A man unhappy with an Islamic association's plans to
build a mosque next to his property has staged pig races as a protest during
afternoon prayers.
Craig Baker, 46, sold merchandise and grilled sausages Friday for about 100
people who showed up in heavy rain. He insisted he wasn't trying to offend
anyone with the pigs, which are forbidden from the Muslim diet.
"I am just defending my rights and my property," Baker said. "They totally
disrespected me and my family."
Muslims don't hate pigs, they just don't eat them, said engineer Kamel
Fotouh, president of the 500-member Katy Islamic Association in this Houston
suburb.
"I don't care if he races, roasts or slaughters pigs," said Yousef Allam, a
spokesman for the group.
The dispute began when the association asked Baker to remove his cattle from
its newly bought land. The association plans to build a mosque, community
center, athletic facilities and a school.
Baker agreed to move his cattle but thought the Muslims also wanted him off
the land his family has lived on for more than 100 years.
