San Diego Muslims cheer return of Ramadan banners following controversy
SAN DIEGO Business leaders in southeast San Diego are claiming victory in their fight to raise banners celebrating the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. City officials ordered the banners removed last week after finding there was no permit for them. But leaders of the Diamond Business Improvement District say they were told the banners violated city rules against signs with religious content, and that raised protests that the city was discriminating against Muslims while tolerating Christmas decorations.
A city official now says there is no religious restriction. The official says the real problem was the lack of a current permit. That's been resolved and the banners are flying again.
Ramadan marks the time when Muslims believe the Quran (ku-RAHN') was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The green and white banners have flown annually in the area since 1998.
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