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Muslim Plant Plan Sparks Uproar in Minn.

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Muslim Plant Plan Sparks Uproar in Minn.
Halima
05/14/03 at 03:07:38
Muslim Plant Plan Sparks Uproar in Minn.  

The Associated Press  



Faribault, Minn., May 13—(AP) A proposal to create the state's first Muslim meat-processing plant is causing a stir among residents in this rural community who say it could damage the environment, lower property values and increase traffic to the area.

But a lawyer pitching the idea says race and religious issues are also fueling the protest. "It's what they don't say publicly that's been obscene," said Attorney Caren Schurhammer. "Everyone has been careful to tiptoe around the fact that this is a Muslim meatpacking plant."
If built, it will use the halal slaughtering process - a religious ritual similar to the Jewish kosher process. The process, which involves cutting the carotid arteries in the animal's neck, is defined as humane by Minnesota law and permitted by a religious exemption to U.S. Department of Agriculture rules that ordinarily require an animal to be knocked out first.

Richard Mayfield, a chiropractor who's leading opposition to the slaughterhouse, said the plant's potential harm to the environment and to property values are the driving factors, not that it will be a Muslim business.

The intensity of opposition to the plant has surprised some onlookers. "We have 250 slaughter plants in the state and I don't know of one that has had to go through what this guy has," said Kevin Elfering, director of Dairy, Food and Meat Inspection for the state Department of Agriculture.

Opponents organized a petition drive that forced Ali Giarushi, who proposed the plant, to spend nearly $14,000 on an environmental assessment worksheet - a process rarely required for such a small plant. Other possible demands from the county could cost $50,000 to $100,000, Giarushi said. "I take it as a threat. They're trying to buy time and make me spend more money until I am broke and maybe give up," said Giarushi, 47, a real estate agent.

The plant is expected to attract between 40 and 100 vehicles a day to the area.

Pathogens entering the wetlands through animal manure are a primary environmental concern. According to the environmental assessment, Giarushi has pledged to refrigerate manure in boxes until a sanitation company picks it up.


Re: Muslim Plant Plan Sparks Uproar in Minn.
Yasmeena
05/18/03 at 21:50:59
I have one serious question about this article?

Would the community in question, have so many protests if the slaughter plant was proposed by a non-Muslim?  ??? ::) ???


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