Canadian Muslim Claims Religious Right To Install Satellite Dish For Condo

In Halifax. Nova Scotia on Tuesday, a Human Rights Board of Inquiry held a hearing on a complaint by a Muslim condominium owner who claims religious discrimination because condo rules do not permit him to keep a satellite dish that he installed for religious reasons. Wednesday's Halifax Daily News reports that Ahmed Assal was told by the condo managers that he could not install a dish that picks up 18 Arabic channels from the Middle East. Assal wanted the satellite dish so he could to teach his three children about their religion, language, culture and traditions. One of the managers told him that satellite dishes were not permitted under the condominium bylaws and that a dish could damage the roof. After 21 months, Assal moved ahead and installed a dish on a tree in his backyard. He says that the condo board has granted exceptions to various rules for other owners. But the managers say those other owners, unlike Assal, made formal requests for rule waivers.