California Councilman Criticized for Muhammad Remark
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A Southern California councilman is drawing criticism for mentioning in a public meeting that he named his dog after the Muslim prophet Muhammad.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has called on Derek Reeve to apologize for his comment at a recent San Juan Capistrano council meeting. The Islamic advocacy group says Reeve mentioned naming his dogs America and Muhammad during a discussion about a new dog park.
CAIR's executive director in greater Los Angeles says while Reeve has a right to free speech, his "distasteful remark" is unbefitting of an elected official. The city's mayor and another councilman also criticized Reeve.
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An email message seeking comment from Reeve wasn't immediately returned Wednesday.
The Orange County Register reports that Reeve said he named his dog Muhammad as a political statement.