Maine Mosque Alleges Racist Targeting in Parking Enforcement Dispute
The Masjidu Salaam Mosque in Lewiston, Maine, has asserted that it is the victim of a racially motivated campaign following a series of incidents where worshippers' illegally parked vehicles were ticketed and towed away. The mosque has strongly criticised both the Lewiston Police Department and a neighbouring business, Mid Valley Motors, along with its associated Leonard Heavy Duty Towing Company, for actions taken during religious services.
Accusations of Targeted Enforcement
A spokesperson for the mosque informed the Lewiston Sun-Journal that the police department conducted multiple, what they deemed, unnecessary and targeted parking enforcement sweeps in the vicinity of the mosque on Fridays. The spokesperson claimed that law enforcement ignored their duty to ensure community safety, instead focusing on what was described as a 'right-wing grievance.'
However, local residents and businesses have robustly countered this allegation of a 'right-wing grievance.' They argue that it is unreasonable for mosque attendees to illegally occupy the parking lots of three nearby businesses—Mid Valley Motors, a local butcher, and an Italian bakery—without making purchases and anticipate avoiding penalties.
Many of the issued tickets were for vehicles that obstructed or completely blocked driveways, creating significant access issues. The mosque operates daily from before dawn until 11 p.m., with Fridays being the peak day for congregational prayers.
Business Owner's Firm Stance
Matthew Theriault, the general manager of Mid Valley Motors and Leonard Heavy Duty Towing, remained unapologetic about the towing actions. He stated unequivocally, 'If you park illegally, you will be towed.' Theriault emphasised that his primary objective is to manage his business operations without disruption.
He vehemently denied any accusations of racial or religious bias, asserting, 'There’s no racial or religious thing to this — a red Honda Civic is a red Honda Civic.' To support his claim, Theriault mentioned that he recently towed a vehicle belonging to a U.S. Census Bureau worker for illegal parking, indicating that enforcement is applied uniformly regardless of the driver's background.
Controversial Use of Music
The dispute escalated when Theriault's business began broadcasting songs at high volume through speakers during Muslim worship sessions. The playlist included the Star-Spangled Banner, 'Who Let The Dogs Out,' 'I'm a Little Teapot,' and 'What Does the Fox Say?'
Some Muslim worshippers interpreted the 'dogs' reference in the song title as a racist slur directed at them, a contention that Theriault has rejected. Notably, on April 3, Mid Valley Motors played 'What Does the Fox Say?' on a continuous ten-hour loop, with its Facebook page inviting locals to join a 'dance party.' A week later, on April 10, the national anthem was blasted from the speakers.
Police responded to noise complaints related to the music and engaged with the towing company about the matter. Nevertheless, worshippers allege that the disruptive music persisted after officers departed the scene.
Social Media and Planning Developments
Theriault utilised his business's Facebook page to chronicle the parking issues, sharing a photograph of a woman wearing a hijab making an obscene gesture after her car was towed. In response to criticisms about the music on social media, Theriault posted a defiant message expressing pride in his country and dismissing claims of hate speech.
In a positive development for the mosque, planning permission was granted last month to double the size of its parking lot, which may alleviate some of the congestion. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Masjidu Salaam Mosque, Mid Valley Motors, and the Lewiston Police Department for additional comments, but responses are pending as the situation continues to unfold.
