Last Friday, a federal judge tossed out a religious discrimination lawsuit against Andy Hallinan, a living caricature of angry white men and owner of Florida Gun Supply, which, since last June, has been a self-proclaimed "Muslim-free zone."
Despite demands for an injunction from CAIR Florida (the Council on American-Islamic Relations), who pointed out back in July that it's illegal to discriminate against Muslims on the basis of religion, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ruled that Hallinan’s "Muslim-free zone" gun store in Inverness, Florida, was protected by the First Amendment, according to WFLA.
The court's decision shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Saying your store is "Muslim-free" is without a doubt protected speech. However, acting on it and actually denying someone services based on religion is a completely different lawsuit, one that would not end will for Hallinan.
“American Muslims have a right to browse and purchase guns, take classes on gun safety and shoot guns at a range without having to be profiled and discriminated,” said Hassan Shibly, Chief Executive Director of CAIR Florida to NBC. “Such discrimination is not only illegal, it is bad for our country and makes us less safe and less free.”
Of course, Christian extremists – who, according to the New York Times have killed more American citizens than any other group since 9/11 – are still allowed to shop freely.
Shortly after the court’s decision, Hallinan posted a video to Florida Gun Supply's Facebook page celebrating the victory, stating that he will give out "Muslim-free zone" bumper stickers. Hallinan, a close pal of George Zimmerman, is also selling “jihadist targets” for shooting practice.
CAIR has 30 days to appeal the decision.
