CAIR-Chicago representatives and local Muslim leaders discussed their disappointment in IL Gov. Pat Quinn's comments regarding the New York mosque controversy and their concern that a growing anti-Muslim network is spreading Islamophobia through fear mongering. They also shared examples of other mosques around the country that are facing opposition, including one in Naperville which CAIR-Chicago is currently litigating on behalf of.

CAIR-Chicago representatives and local Muslim leaders discussed their disappointment in IL Gov. Pat Quinn's comments regarding the New York mosque controversy and their concern that a growing anti-Muslim network is spreading Islamophobia through fear mongering. They also shared examples of other mosques around the country that are facing opposition, including one in Naperville which CAIR-Chicago is currently litigating on behalf of.

"I do believe that there are special places on Earth that should have a zone of solemnity around them," Quinn told reporters when asked about the issue. "I would strongly urge those who are thinking of putting a mosque within that zone to rethink their position." "The 9/11 attacks were caused by terrorists. Terrorists shouldn't build a mosque in proximity to ground zero, or America for that matter," said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of Chicago's Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Local leaders will discuss their concern that a calculated campaign of Islamophobia and fear mongering have influenced public officials and misinformed the general public. The coalition will discuss opposition to mosques including in Illinois, rising levels of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate crimes.

The Honor Killing Awareness Campaign responsible for the taxi advertisements is powered by the anti-Muslim group Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA), run by Islamophobe bloggers Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer.Their overt connection between the Islamic faith and violence is not only incorrect and offensive, but short-sighted in that it fails to acknowledge the wider problem of violence against women in America.

Ahmed Rehab discusses the ground zero mosque controversy and clears misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab discusses the ground zero mosque controversy and clears misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab talks to MSNBC's Tamron Hall about the Islamophobia that is at the heart of the "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy. Rehab also discusses the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab talks to MSNBC's Tamron Hall about the Islamophobia that is at the heart of the "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy. Rehab also discusses the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab debates anti-Muslim bigot Pamela Geller regarding the "Ground Zero Mosque" and calls her out on her Islamophobia. Geller, founder of atlasshrugs.com and the Islamophobic hate-group Stop the Islamization of America (SOIA), attempts to associates all Muslims with 9/11 and terrorism.

Ahmed Rehab debates anti-Muslim bigot Pamela Geller regarding the "Ground Zero Mosque" and calls her out on her Islamophobia. Geller, founder of atlasshrugs.com and the Islamophobic hate-group Stop the Islamization of America (SOIA), attempts to associates all Muslims with 9/11 and terrorism.

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab talks to various news outlets about the recent decision in New York to permit the “Ground Zero Mosque” to be built. Rehab also warns of the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims and vilify Islam.

Rehab debates Fox News' John Gibson on the right of New York Muslims to build a mosque in lower Manhattan, a few blocks away from Ground Zero and talks to Alan Colmes about the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

Rehab debates Fox News' John Gibson on the right of New York Muslims to build a mosque in lower Manhattan, a few blocks away from Ground Zero and talks to Alan Colmes about the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

CAIR-Chicago's Ahmed Rehab debates Fox News' John Gibson on the right of New York Muslims to build a mosque in lower Manhattan, a few blocks away from Ground Zero.

"Ahmed Rehab, CAIR’s spokesman, said anti-Muslim groups are raising money and campaigning against construction of the centre. 'The backlash you are seeing is from this organized group of campaigners rather than a public reaction, which is what they would have you believe,' he said. 'Most people are genuinely open to the multicultural nature of this country.'”

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab talks to Fox Radio's Alan Colmes about the recent decision in New York to permit the “Ground Zero mosque” to be built. Rehab also warns of the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab talks to Fox Radio's Alan Colmes about the recent decision in New York to permit the “Ground Zero mosque” to be built. Rehab also warns of the growing anti-Muslim network in the United States which seeks to delegitimize American Muslims.

Ahmed Rehab discusses misconceptions about Islam and American Muslims, specifically addressing the “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy, and reacts to recent Sarah Palin twitter comments about the issue.

Ahmed Rehab discusses misconceptions about Islam and American Muslims, specifically addressing the "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy, and reacts to recent Sarah Palin twitter comments about the issue.