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{{short description|Political advocacy organization}} | |||
{{pp-vandalism|expiry=11 October 2013|small=yes}} | |||
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}} | |||
'''Stop Islamization of America''' (SIOA) is an American anti-Islam organization.<ref name="CSM">{{cite news|author=Stephanie Rice |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |title='Anti-Islamic' bus ads appear in major cities |author=Stephanie Price |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=July 28, 2010 |accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref><ref name="PPG">{{Cite news |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10252/1086116-455.stm |first=Mackenzie |last=Carpenter |title=Muslim center here copes with increased Islam-bashing |date=September 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name=ADL>{{cite web |url=http://www.adl.org/main_Extremism/sioa.htm |publisher=Anti-Defamation League |accessdate=February 25, 2011 |work=Extremism |title=Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA) |date=September 14, 2010}}</ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> It is led by ] and ]. The president is Pamela Hall.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2209227/Mona-Eltahawy-EXCLUSIVE-Woman-attacked-defending-anti-jihad-subway-ad-plans-sue-activist-sprayed-HER.html?ito=feeds-newsxml</ref> | |||
{{Infobox organization | |||
| name = Stop Islamization of America | |||
| image =File:Stop Islamization of America logo.png | |||
| size = | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = | |||
| abbreviation = SIOA | |||
| formation = {{Start date|2010}} | |||
| extinction = | |||
| type = | |||
| status = | |||
| tax_id = 27-2518993 | |||
| purpose = | |||
| headquarters = | |||
| location = | |||
| region_served = | |||
| membership = | |||
| leader_title = President | |||
| leader_name = ] | |||
| leader_title2 = Co-founder | |||
| leader_name2 = ] | |||
| affiliations = | |||
| budget = | |||
| num_staff = | |||
| num_volunteers = | |||
| website = {{URL|http://freedomdefense.typepad.com/}} | |||
| remarks = | |||
| former name = American Freedom Defense Initiative | |||
}} | |||
'''Stop Islamization of America''' ('''SIOA'''), also known as the '''American Freedom Defense Initiative''' ('''AFDI'''),<ref name="NYT"/> is an anti-Muslim,<ref name=time>{{cite magazine | url=https://time.com/4144268/ban-donald-trump-u-k/ | title=Why I Am Campaigning to Ban Donald Trump From the U.K. | magazine=Time | date=December 10, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Kelly, Suzanne | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620033527/http://time.com/4144268/ban-donald-trump-u-k/ | archive-date=June 20, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=telegraph>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/12104556/David-Cameron-More-Muslim-women-should-learn-English-to-help-tackle-extremism.html | title=David Cameron: More Muslim women should 'learn English' to help tackle extremism | work=The Telegraph | date=January 17, 2016 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Hughes, Laura | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418211634/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/12104556/David-Cameron-More-Muslim-women-should-learn-English-to-help-tackle-extremism.html | archive-date=April 18, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=newsweek>{{cite news | url=http://www.newsweek.com/british-prime-minister-predicts-uk-will-unite-against-donald-trump-406336 | title=British Prime Minister Predicts the U.K. Will Unite Against Donald Trump | work=Newsweek | date=December 17, 2016 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Faloyin, Dipo | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809074912/http://www.newsweek.com/british-prime-minister-predicts-uk-will-unite-against-donald-trump-406336 | archive-date=August 9, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=haaretz>{{cite news | url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/features/1.687871 | title=Why Is Mainstream Jewish Philanthropy Funding anti-Muslim, Far Right Pamela Geller? | work=Haaretz | date=November 23, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614014946/http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/features/1.687871 | archive-date=June 14, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=CNNShoichet>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/garland-mohammed-drawing-contest-shooting/ | title=Garland, Texas, shooting suspect linked himself to ISIS in tweets | magazine=Time | date=May 4, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | last1=Shoichet | first1=Catherine | last2=Pearson | first2=Michael | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627100230/http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/garland-mohammed-drawing-contest-shooting | archive-date=June 27, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> pro-Israel<ref name=nypost>{{cite news | url=https://nypost.com/2015/04/21/anti-jihad-bus-ads-cant-be-blocked-by-mta-judge/ | title='Anti-Jihad' bus ads can't be blocked by MTA: judge | work=New York Post | date=April 21, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2015 | last1=Calder | first1=Rich | last2=Edelman | first2=Susan | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425091110/http://nypost.com/2015/04/21/anti-jihad-bus-ads-cant-be-blocked-by-mta-judge/ | archive-date=April 25, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Boston>{{cite news | url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/11/23/mbta-votes-ban-political-advertisements/K8xyzbqqf0dDf8X6y5luLI/story.html | title=MBTA bans all ads on political and social issues | work=Boston Globe | date=November 23, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Dungca, Nicole | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126204925/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/11/23/mbta-votes-ban-political-advertisements/K8xyzbqqf0dDf8X6y5luLI/story.html | archive-date=January 26, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=WaPo>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/22/killing-jews-is-worship-posters-will-soon-appear-on-nyc-subways-and-buses/ | title='Killing Jews is Worship' posters will soon appear on NYC subways and buses | newspaper=Washington Post | date=April 22, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Miller, Michael E. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311051406/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/22/killing-jews-is-worship-posters-will-soon-appear-on-nyc-subways-and-buses/ | archive-date=March 11, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> American ]<ref name="mulhall">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s9EwEAAAQBAJ&dq=Stop+Islamization+of+America+counter-jihad&pg=PT35|title=Drums In The Distance: Journeys Into the Global Far Right|first=Joe|last=Mulhall|publisher=Icon|year=2021|isbn=9781785787522}}</ref> organization known primarily for its controversial, ] advertising campaigns.<ref>Islamophobic:<br/> | |||
*{{cite book |last=Ernst |first=Carl W. |title=Islamophobia in America: The Anatomy of Intolerance |author-link=Carl W. Ernst |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |chapter=Introduction: The Problem of Islamophobia |year=2013 |isbn=978-1137290083}} | |||
*{{cite book |last=Kumar |first=Deepa |author-link=Deepa Kumar |title=Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire |publisher=Haymarket Books |year=2012 |page=179 |isbn=978-1608462117 |quote=...the other leading sources of anti-Muslim racism are... Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer's Stop Islamization of America...}} | |||
*{{cite journal |last=Davidson |first=Lawrence |title=Islamophobia, the Israel Lobby and American Paranoia: Letter from America |journal=Holy Land Studies |date=May 2011 |pages=87–95 |volume=10 |number=1 |doi=10.3366/hls.2011.0005}} | |||
*{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Rice |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |title='Anti-Islamic' bus ads appear in major cities |quote="In the Bay Area, more than 125 religious leaders of various faiths signed a statement in July denouncing the ads as "Islamophobic"" |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=July 28, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208073625/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} | |||
*{{Cite news |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10252/1086116-455.stm |first=Mackenzie |last=Carpenter |title=Muslim center here copes with increased Islam-bashing |date=September 9, 2010 |access-date=November 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912173206/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10252/1086116-455.stm |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} | |||
*{{cite journal|last1=Bazian|first1=Hatem|title=The Islamophobia Industry and the Demonization of Palestine: Implications for American Studies|journal=American Quarterly|volume=67|issue=4|year=2015|pages=1057–1066|issn=1080-6490|doi=10.1353/aq.2015.0073|s2cid=146731799}} | |||
*{{cite book|author=Erich Goode|title=Deviant Behavior|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ELhmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA317|date=20 August 2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-35066-8|page=317}} | |||
*{{cite book|author1=David Whitten Smith|author2=Elizabeth Geraldine Burr|title=Understanding World Religions: A Road Map for Justice and Peace|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5v-iBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA380|date=21 August 2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=978-1-4422-2644-9|page=380}} | |||
*{{cite book|author=CQ Researcher|title=Global Issues: Selections from CQ Researcher|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nr-2CwAAQBAJ&pg=PT693|date=24 May 2016|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-1-5063-5340-1|page=693}} | |||
Controversial: | |||
*{{cite book|author1=Robert Trager|author2=Susan Dente Ross|author3=Amy Reynolds|title=The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iczGCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA611|date=2 November 2015|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-1-5063-0340-6|page=611}} | |||
*{{cite journal|last1=Delmont|first1=Matt|title=Introduction: Visual Culture and the War on Terror|journal=American Quarterly|volume=65|issue=1|year=2013|pages=157–160|issn=1080-6490|doi=10.1353/aq.2013.0005|s2cid=145490772}} | |||
*{{cite book|author=Andrew Burt|title=American Hysteria: The Untold Story of Mass Political Extremism in the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9OdyCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA172|date=15 May 2015|publisher=Lyons Press|isbn=978-1-4930-1765-2|page=172}}</ref> The group has been described as extremist and ].<ref name=Ivanova2013>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jf3YAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA360 |page=360 |last=Ivanova |first=Mina |chapter=A Stab in the Eye of America or a Center for Multi-Faith Dialogue? Ideology and Contested Rhetorics Surrounding the Proposed Muslim Community Center near New York City's Ground Zero |title=Venomous Speech: Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left |editor=Clarke Rountree |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2013 |isbn=9780313398674 |quote=Geller heads a small but vocal extreme right-wing group, called Stop Islamization of America. cf. note 4 (p.374) SIOA is associated with Stop Islamization of Europe, an organization with branches in nearly a dozen countries (mostly in Western Europe), founded by an eponymous Danish group that opposes immigration of Muslims to Europe. }} | |||
*{{cite magazine | url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2013/01/10/anti-muslim-ads-return-to-nyc-subways/ | title=Anti-Muslim Ads Return to NYC Subways | magazine=Time | date=January 10, 2013 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Nelson, Rebecca | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811134823/http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/01/10/anti-muslim-ads-return-to-nyc-subways/ | archive-date=August 11, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The ] (SPLC) lists SIOA as an anti-Muslim ].<ref name=Boston/><ref name=WaPo/><ref name=HateGroup/> | |||
SIOA was founded in 2010 by its current leaders, ] and author ], at the request of ], the leader of ], of which it is the American affiliate.<ref name="NYT">{{Cite news |work=The New York Times |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05EEDB113CF933A25753C1A9669D8B63&scp=3&st=cse&pagewanted=all |last1=Barnard |last2=Feuer |date=October 10, 2010 |first1=Anne |first2=Alan |title=Outraged, And Outrageous |access-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624210616/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05EEDB113CF933A25753C1A9669D8B63&scp=3&st=cse&pagewanted=all |archive-date=June 24, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It has launched ad campaigns in urban public transit systems, including one in ] opposing ], a Muslim community center that had been proposed for ] near the ] in 2010.<ref name=Beirich2013>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EUhMAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA89 |pages=89–92 |chapter=Hate Across the Waters: The Role of American Extremists in Fostering an International White Consciousness |last=Beirich |first=Heidi |editor=Ruth Wodak |editor2=Majid KhosraviNik |editor3=Brigitte Mral |title=Right-Wing Populism in Europe: Politics and Discourse |publisher=A&C Black |year=2013 |isbn=978-1780932453 |access-date=January 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009111851/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=EUhMAQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA89 |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2016, they have run public transit advertisements in ] calling for the end of ]. | |||
==Ideology== | |||
{{islamophobia}} | |||
SIOA describes itself as a human rights organization, promoting ], ], and equal rights.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/what-is-american-freedom-defense-initiative/ | title=Garland shooting: What is the American Freedom Defense Initiative? | work=CNN | date=May 4, 2015 | access-date=June 28, 2016 | author=Yan, Holly | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525074656/http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/what-is-american-freedom-defense-initiative | archive-date=May 25, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The SIOA's ideology has been called Islamophobic by political and historical scholars, news sources, religious leaders, and hate group watchdogs.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ernst |first=Carl W. |title=Islamophobia in America: The Anatomy of Intolerance |author-link=Carl W. Ernst |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |chapter=Introduction: The Problem of Islamophobia |year=2013 |isbn=978-1137290083}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Kumar |first=Deepa |author-link=Deepa Kumar |title=Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire |publisher=Haymarket Books |year=2012 |page=179 |isbn=978-1608462117 |quote=...the other leading sources of anti-Muslim racism are... Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer's Stop Islamization of America...}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Davidson |first=Lawrence |title=Islamophobia, the Israel Lobby and American Paranoia: Letter from America |journal=Holy Land Studies |date=May 2011 |pages=87–95 |volume=10 |number=1 |doi=10.3366/hls.2011.0005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Rice |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |title='Anti-Islamic' bus ads appear in major cities |quote="In the Bay Area, more than 125 religious leaders of various faiths signed a statement in July denouncing the ads as "Islamophobic"" |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=July 28, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208073625/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Southern Poverty Law Center |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map |title=Hate Map (Southern Poverty Law Center) |access-date=June 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619175310/https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Anti-Defamation League |url=http://www.adl.org/civil-rights/discrimination/c/stop-islamization-of-america.html |title=Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) |access-date=June 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619070248/http://www.adl.org/civil-rights/discrimination/c/stop-islamization-of-america.html |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===2010=== | |||
SIOA was founded by and is led by ] and ]<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=c06pxjS6z3AC&pg=PA222&dq=%22Stop+Islamization+of+America%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=PjgnT7ikA6Tv0gGsiN3nAg&sqi=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Stop%20Islamization%20of%20America%22&f=false |title=The 9/11 Encyclopedia |author=Stephen E. Atkins |publisher= |year= 2011|accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref> as a program of their American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI).<ref name=afdi /><ref name="newsblaze1">{{cite press release|url=http://newsblaze.com/story/2010060808400200002.pnw/topstory.html |title=Thousands Attend SIOA Rally Against Islamic Supremacist Mosque at Ground Zero |publisher=Newsblaze.com |date=June 8, 2010 |author= |accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref> It was founded in 2010 at the request of Anders Gravers Pedersen, the leader of ], of which it is the American affiliate.<ref name="NYT"/> | |||
SIOA opposed the construction of ], originally named Cordoba House, a 13-story Muslim ] proposed for a location two blocks from the ] in ]. On May 6, 2010, Geller posted a blog piece calling the building a "monster mosque" and a "stab in the eye of America" and comparing it to the reconsecration of the ] as a mosque by the ] after they conquered ] in 1453.<ref name="NYT"/> In another blog post, Geller encouraged readers to protest its construction.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name=fear>{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2010/08/16/ground_zero_mosque_origins/|title=How the "ground zero mosque" fear mongering began|first=Justin|last=Elliott|date=August 16, 2010|work=Salon|access-date=January 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102124541/http://www.salon.com/2010/08/16/ground_zero_mosque_origins/|archive-date=January 2, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Lessons and Legacies of the War on Terror: From Moral Panic to Permanent War|publisher=Routledge|year=2012|isbn=978-0415638418|series=Critical Terrorism Studies|editor=Gershon Shafir |editor2=Everard Meade |editor3=William J. Aceves|last=Gottschalk|first=Peter|chapter=Religion Out of Place: Islam and cults as perceived threats in the United States|pages=111–112}}</ref> | |||
In July 2010, the organization purchased ] in New York and other American cities promoting a website purporting to advocate for Muslims who wanted to disclaim their religion but who feared they might be killed by other Muslims if they did so.<ref name="CSM">{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Rice |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |title='Anti-Islamic' bus ads appear in major cities |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=July 28, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208073625/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0728/Anti-Islamic-bus-ads-appear-in-major-cities |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The ] criticized the premise of the ads, that there were any such Muslims, calling it "a smoke screen to advance long-standing history of anti-Muslim bigotry".<ref name="Telegraph">{{Cite news|work=Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7772258/Leaving-Islam-bus-adverts-draw-anger-in-NYC.html|title='Leaving Islam?' bus adverts draw anger in NYC|date=May 27, 2010|location=London|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412154036/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7772258/Leaving-Islam-bus-adverts-draw-anger-in-NYC.html|archive-date=April 12, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
SIOA gained attention as an early driving force within the controversy surrounding the construction of ], a planned 13-story Muslim community center to be located two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. It launched "Campaign Offensive: Stop the 9/11 Mosque!" and other protests.<ref name="NYT"/><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.salon.com/2010/08/16/ground_zero_mosque_origins/ |title=How the "ground zero mosque" fear mongering began |author=Justin Elliott |date=August 16, 2010 |work=Salon}}</ref> | |||
The ], beginning in 2010, included SIOA in their online resource on extremist groups, saying that it "promotes a conspiratorial anti-Muslim agenda under the guise of fighting radical Islam" and "seeks to rouse public fears by consistently vilifying the Islamic faith and asserting the existence of an Islamic conspiracy to destroy 'American' values."<ref name="ADL">{{cite web |url=http://archive.adl.org/main_extremism/sioa-a.html#.UtI2J6zGWeg |publisher=Anti-Defamation League |access-date=January 12, 2013 |work=Extremism |title=Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA) |date=September 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112080137/http://archive.adl.org/main_extremism/sioa-a.html#.UtI2J6zGWeg |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
In July 2010, the organization purchased controversial ] in various cities which promoted a website offering "refuge from Islam."<ref name="CSM"/><ref name="Telegraph"/> The ] criticized the ads' premise and stated that the claim of helping people who already wanted to convert away from Islam, when Geller was known for her anti-Muslim remarks, was "a smoke screen to advance her long-standing history of anti-Muslim bigotry."<ref name="Telegraph">{{Cite news |work=Telegraph |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7772258/Leaving-Islam-bus-adverts-draw-anger-in-NYC.html |title='Leaving Islam?' bus adverts draw anger in NYC |date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> | |||
===2011=== | |||
The ] named SIOA an anti-Muslim ] in February 2011, saying that it is a "propaganda powerhouse" that paints moderate Muslims as radical terrorists.<ref>{{Cite news |work=The Intelligence Report |publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center |url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2011/summer/jihad-against-islam |date=Summer 2011 |issue=142 |first=Robert |last=Steinback |title=Jihad Against Islam}}</ref><ref name=nydaily>{{Cite news |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-02-25/local/28647400_1_islamic-center-anti-islamic-pamela-geller |work=New York Daily News |date=February 25, 2011 |first=Corky |title=Southern Poverty Law Center lists anti-Islamic NYC blogger Pamela Geller, followers a hate group |last=Siemaszko}}</ref> The ] also lists it as a hate group, saying that it "promotes a conspiratorial anti-Muslim agenda under the guise of fighting radical Islam" and "seeks to rouse public fears by consistently vilifying the Islamic faith and asserting the existence of an Islamic conspiracy to destroy 'American' values."<ref name=ADL/> | |||
In 2011, the Southern Poverty Law Center named SIOA an anti-Muslim ],<ref name=nydaily>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/southern-poverty-law-center-lists-anti-islamic-nyc-blogger-pamela-geller-followers-hate-group-article-1.135009|work=New York Daily News|date=February 25, 2011|first=Corky|title=Southern Poverty Law Center lists anti-Islamic NYC blogger Pamela Geller, followers a hate group|last=Siemaszko|access-date=February 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216160827/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/southern-poverty-law-center-lists-anti-islamic-nyc-blogger-pamela-geller-followers-hate-group-article-1.135009|archive-date=February 16, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=HateGroup/> calling it a "propaganda powerhouse" that paints ] as ] ].<ref name=HateGroup>{{cite news|work=The Intelligence Report|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2011/summer/jihad-against-islam|date=Summer 2011|issue=142|first=Robert|last=Steinback|title=Jihad Against Islam|access-date=February 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119075935/http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2011/summer/jihad-against-islam|archive-date=January 19, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Geller described the SPLC listing as a "badge of honor"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/pam-geller-on-hate-group-label-a-badge-of-honor|date=1 Mar 2011|work=Talking Points Memo|title=Pam Geller On 'Hate Group' Label: 'A Badge of Honor'|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927214159/http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/pam-geller-on-hate-group-label-a-badge-of-honor|archive-date=September 27, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and later, in 2015, stated to CNN, "Who designated the SPLC as a legitimate authority? They are a radical leftist group who targets patriots, vets and even GOP presidential candidates. They have never named a jihadi group as a hate group."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/what-is-american-freedom-defense-initiative/|title=Garland shooting: What is the American Freedom Defense Initiative?|work=CNN|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507022610/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/what-is-american-freedom-defense-initiative|archive-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
In July and August 2011, Geller and Spencer were discussed in the media because Norwegian mass-murderer ]'s anti-Muslim manifesto quoted Spencer at length, and also cited Geller's blog.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/us/25debate.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |title=Killings in Norway Spotlight Anti-Muslim Thought in U.S. |last=Shane |first=Scott |date=July 24, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202111528/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/us/25debate.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> According to Heidi Beirich, deputy director of ], Geller and Spencer's writings were "the primary sources for the anti-Muslim propaganda that had helped give voice" to Breivik's 1500+ page manifesto.<ref name=Beirich2013/> SIOA published a statement jointly with ] and ] condemning Breivik's attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Critics of Islam Vow To Continue Activism After Oslo|publisher=The Forward|last1=Nathan-Kazis|first1=Josh|last2=Guttman|first2=Nathan|date=August 5, 2011|quote=A statement published on July 25 on Jihad Watch, by Spencer and Geller 's SIOA and Stop Islamisation of Europe, their group's European ally, condemned the attacks. The statement went on to say that Breivik had attempted to join SOIE, but had been kept out of the organization 'because of his Nazi ties.'}}</ref> | |||
SIOA ran another series of ads in the New York City subway in September 2012, these ones reading "In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat Jihad."<ref name="dailymail">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2209227/Mona-Eltahawy-EXCLUSIVE-Woman-attacked-defending-anti-jihad-subway-ad-plans-sue-activist-sprayed-HER.html?ito=feeds-newsxml|title=Woman 'attacked' while defending anti-jihad subway ad plans to sue activist who sprayed painted HER|date=27 Sept 2012|newspaper=Daily Mail|author=Emily Anne Epstein}}</ref> Several groups have sponsored subway ads to counter SOIA's original ad and condemn it as "hate speech."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/free_speech_free_for_all_SJ7F1HEiw0fquIdzjaHkPO|title=Free-speech free-for-all|date=Oct 6, 2012|newspaper=New York Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/pro-muslim-subway-ads-to-hang-near-anti-jihad-ads/|newspaper=New York Times|title=Pro-Muslim Subway Ads to Hang Near Anti-Jihad Ads|date=Oct 4, 2012|author=Ashwaq Masood}}</ref> The ] has called it "bigoted, divisive" and JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow has said “the fact that ads have been placed in the subway attacking ] does not excuse the use of attack ads against Muslims."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jewish Council for Public Affairs|title=JCPA Condemns Bigoted, Divisive, and Unhelpful Anti-Muslim Ads|url=http://engage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/blog/comments.jsp?key=477&blog_entry_KEY=6561&t=|publisher=JCPA|accessdate=September 21, 2012}}</ref> Journalist ], who sees the ad as equating Muslims to "savages,"<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-09-26/news/34108476_1_defeat-jihad-civilized-man-free-speech |work=New York Daily News |date=September 26, 2012 |title=Let us spray, says lawyer for vandalizer of anti-jihad poster }}</ref> was arrested for spray-painting over one of the ads; SIOA's president Pamela Hall announced she would sue Eltahawy for having allegedly damaged Hall's filming equipment with spray paint while Hall tried to block Eltahawy's way.<ref name="dailymail"/> In late December 2012 both ] and ] mentioned the advertisements creating an anti-Muslim atmosphere that led to the December 27, 2012 murder of Sunando Sen, who was killed by a subway train after being pushed onto the racks by Erika Menendez, and similar acts of violence. Menendez told police: "I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims."<ref>Murtaza Hussain, , ], December 31, 2012.</ref><ref>Wajahat Ali, , ], December 31, 2012.</ref> | |||
===2012=== | |||
In early January 2013 the Freedom Defense Initiative put up advertisements next to 228 clocks in 39 New York subway stations showing the 2001 ] with a quote attributed to the Koran: “Soon shall we cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers.”<ref>, ], January 9, 2013.</ref><ref>, ], January 8, 2013.</ref><ref name="Matt Flegenheimer">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/nyregion/controversial-group-has-new-anti-jihad-subway-ads.html?ref=nyregion&_r=1&|title=Controversial Group Plans More Ads in Subway Stations|date=Dec 13, 2012|newspaper=New York Times|author=Matt Flegenheimer}}</ref> The ], which said it would have to carry the advertisements on ] grounds, insisted that 25% of the ad contain a Transit Authority disclaimer.<ref name="Matt Flegenheimer"/><ref>Emily Anne Epstein, , ], December 7, 2012.</ref> The ads ran for a month.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/08/more-ads-with-inflammatory-messages-about-islam-appear-in-nyc-subway/|title=More Ads With Inflammatory Messages About Islam Appear In NYC Subway|date=January 8, 2013|newspaper=CBS news}}</ref> | |||
In 2012, SIOA sponsored ads in the public transit systems of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago reading, "In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat ]."<ref>{{cite news|title=CTA Anti-Muslim Ads: Controversial 'Defeat Jihad' Ads Arrive In Chicago|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/cta-anti-muslim-ads-contr_n_2136432.html|access-date=22 April 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=November 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512230841/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/cta-anti-muslim-ads-contr_n_2136432.html|archive-date=May 12, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The ] (MTA) initially refused to display them.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/19/us/new-york-controversial-subway-ad/|title=Controversial 'Defeat Jihad' ad to appear in NYC subways|date=September 19, 2012|publisher=CNN|access-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007053540/http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/19/us/new-york-controversial-subway-ad/|archive-date=October 7, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The authority's decision was ruled unconstitutional by Judge ] of the ] in July 2012. Judge Engelmayer held that SIOA's ad was "core political speech" protected by the ].<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/nyregion/ad-demeaning-muslims-to-appear-in-new-york-subway.html | work=The New York Times | first=Matt | last=Flegenheimer | title=Ad Urging Defeat of Jihad to Appear in New York Subway | date=September 18, 2012 | access-date=February 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223202501/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/nyregion/ad-demeaning-muslims-to-appear-in-new-york-subway.html | archive-date=February 23, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=WSJDemeaning>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/07/20/court-rejects-mtas-ban-against-demeaning-transit-ads/|title=Court Rejects MTA's Ban Against 'Demeaning' Transit Ads|author=Ted Mann|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=October 1, 2014|date=July 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122332/http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/07/20/court-rejects-mtas-ban-against-demeaning-transit-ads/|archive-date=October 6, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/nyregion/mta-violated-rights-of-pro-israel-group-judge-says.html | work=The New York Times | first=Benjamin | last=Weiser | title=M.T.A. Violated Rights of Pro-Israel Group, Judge Says | date=July 20, 2012 | access-date=February 18, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316095450/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/nyregion/mta-violated-rights-of-pro-israel-group-judge-says.html | archive-date=March 16, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Anti-jihad ads make their way to D.C. subways|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/10/anti-jihad-ads-make-their-way-to-d-c-subways/?iref=allsearch|access-date=April 22, 2014|publisher=]|date=October 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006084929/http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/10/anti-jihad-ads-make-their-way-to-d-c-subways/?iref=allsearch|archive-date=October 6, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
], ], and ] all sponsored subway ads countering SIOA's original ad and promoting religious tolerance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/pro-muslim-subway-ads-to-hang-near-anti-jihad-ads/|newspaper=New York Times|title=Pro-Muslim Subway Ads to Hang Near Anti-Jihad Ads|date=October 4, 2012|first=Ashwaq|last=Masood|access-date=October 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106073442/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/pro-muslim-subway-ads-to-hang-near-anti-jihad-ads/|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The ] called SIOA's ad "bigoted, divisive, and unhelpful", and ], its president, said, "The fact that ads have been placed in the subway attacking Israel does not excuse the use of attack ads against Muslims."<ref>{{cite web|title=JCPA Condemns Bigoted, Divisive, and Unhelpful Anti-Muslim Ads|url=http://engage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/blog/comments.jsp?key=477&blog_entry_KEY=6561&t=|publisher=JCPA|access-date=September 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014130445/http://engage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/blog/comments.jsp?key=477&blog_entry_KEY=6561&t=|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ], a former speechwriter for ], wrote an ] in the '']'' supporting the ads, arguing that "savage" was an appropriate term to describe jihadists, and criticizing "our new political correctness".<ref>{{cite news|last=McGurn|first=William|title=Call a Terrorist a 'Savage'? How Uncivilized|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444592404578030423958154556|date=October 1, 2012|access-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106231806/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444592404578030423958154556|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
On June 26, 2013, the United Kingdom ] acted to prevent Geller and Spencer from entering the UK to attend a rally organised by the far-right ]. Intended to mark ] on June 29, 2013, the march is due to end in Woolwich, scene of the murder of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23064355 |title=US bloggers banned from entering UK|publisher=BBC}}</ref> The government described the pair as"inflammatory speakers who promote hate" and that they had been excluded as their presence "is not conducive to the public good".<ref name=indy26jun13>, ''The Independent'', 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-06-28.</ref><ref name=gran26jun13>, ''The Guardian'', 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-06-28.</ref> | |||
During the 2012 tax year, the organization reported total revenue of $157,870.00, no employee salary or compensation, and total operating expenses of $296,044.00.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=] | title=American Freedom Defense Initiative, Tax Form 990. | date=2013 | url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2012/272/518/2012-272518993-09edb14d-9.pdf | access-date=June 22, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024952/http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2012/272/518/2012-272518993-09edb14d-9.pdf | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
==Goals== | |||
SIOA describes its goals as focusing on human rights,<ref name=afdi>{{cite press release|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/afdisioa-vast-to-host-jessica-mokdad-human-rights-conference-in-dearborn-michigan-at-hyatt-regency-2011-12-05 |title=AFDI/SIOA, VAST to Host Jessica Mokdad Human Rights Conference in Dearborn, Michigan at Hyatt Regency |publisher=MarketWatch |date=December 5, 2011 |author= |accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref><ref name="newsblaze1"/><ref name="NYT">{{Cite news |work=The New York Times |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05EEDB113CF933A25753C1A9669D8B63&scp=3&st=cse&pagewanted=all |last=Barnard |last2=Feuer |date=October 10, 2010 |first=Anne |first2=Alan |title=Outraged, And Outrageous}}</ref> religious liberty, and ], and opposing ] (Islamic religious law).<ref name="newsblaze1"/> One of its founders described it as "a human rights entity dedicated to the freedom of speech, which is under attack, as well as to the freedom of religion and to individual rights."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aina.org/news/2011091695424.htm |title=Stop the Islamization of America |publisher=Aina.org |date= |accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref> | |||
== |
===2013=== | ||
In early January 2013, the SIOA placed advertisements in ] stations. that juxtaposed images of the ] with a quote from the ]: "Soon shall we cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers."<ref name=inflammatory>{{cite news|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/08/more-ads-with-inflammatory-messages-about-islam-appear-in-nyc-subway/|title=More Ads With Inflammatory Messages About Islam Appear In NYC Subway|date=January 8, 2013|publisher=CBS news|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110154645/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/08/more-ads-with-inflammatory-messages-about-islam-appear-in-nyc-subway/|archive-date=January 10, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://observer.com/2012/12/pamela-geller-mta-new-anti-islam-ads-to-debut-this-month-now-with-25-more-mta-disclaimer/|title=New Anti-Islam Ads to Debut This Month, Now With 25% More MTA Disclaimer|last=Epstein|first=Emily Anne|work=The New York Observer|date=December 7, 2012|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214173627/http://observer.com/2012/12/pamela-geller-mta-new-anti-islam-ads-to-debut-this-month-now-with-25-more-mta-disclaimer/|archive-date=February 14, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The quote is from </ref> By that time the ], had changed its advertising policy to accept what it called "viewpoint advertisements" but to require a disclaimer saying that the Transit Authority did not endorse the advertiser's views.<ref name="Matt Flegenheimer">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/nyregion/controversial-group-has-new-anti-jihad-subway-ads.html?ref=nyregion&_r=1&|title=Controversial Group Plans More Ads in Subway Stations|date=Dec 13, 2012|newspaper=New York Times|first=Matt|last=Flegenheimer|access-date=February 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513021939/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/nyregion/controversial-group-has-new-anti-jihad-subway-ads.html?ref=nyregion&_r=1&|archive-date=May 13, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
In the fiscal year 2013, the organization disclosed a complete revenue amounting to $958,800.00. Employee wages and benefits stood at $243,150.00, while the overall operational costs totaled $419,652.00.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=] | title=American Freedom Defense Initiative, Tax Form 990. | date=2013 | url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/272/518/2013-272518993-0ad490ec-9.pdf | access-date=May 26, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924041255/http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/272/518/2013-272518993-0ad490ec-9.pdf | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
===2014=== | |||
* ] | |||
In response to an ad by the ] that the SIOA called "Jew-hating", the SIOA sponsored an ad on Washington, D.C., buses with a photograph of ] and ], the ] who supported the Nazi dictator before and during World War II.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/wp/2014/05/15/in-metrobus-ads-pro-israel-group-features-photo-of-hitler/|title=In Metrobus ads, pro-Israel group features photo of Hitler|newspaper=Washington Post|date=May 15, 2014|author=Paul Duggan|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530181901/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/wp/2014/05/15/in-metrobus-ads-pro-israel-group-features-photo-of-hitler/|archive-date=May 30, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
In May, the ] ruled that the ] was not required to grant SIOA a ] for its name because it could be disparaging to American Muslims. Geller criticized the ruling, calling it a "complete whitewash" and describing the court as having a ] bias.<ref name=Reuters>{{cite news|last1=Bartz|first1=Diane|title=U.S. court says trademarks can't disparage religious, ethnic groups|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-trademark-islamisation-idUSBREA4C0Z320140513|access-date=June 3, 2014|work=Reuters|date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606211328/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/13/us-trademark-islamisation-idUSBREA4C0Z320140513|archive-date=June 6, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
===2015=== | |||
In 2015 the SIOA started a new ad campaign in New York, that included one parody billboard with a quote from Hamas stating 'Killing Jews is worship that draws us close to Allah.' A court judgement in April 2015 ruled that New York's ] cannot prevent the ads from running on buses.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/22/killing-jews-is-worship-posters-will-soon-appear-on-nyc-subways-and-buses/|title='Killing Jews is Worship' posters will soon appear on NYC subways and buses|date=22 Apr 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Michael E.|last=Miller|access-date=July 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311051406/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/22/killing-jews-is-worship-posters-will-soon-appear-on-nyc-subways-and-buses/|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/court-oks-islamic-killing-jews-posters-mta-buses-article-1.2193711|title=Posters slamming Islam for 'killing Jews' can be displayed on MTA buses: court|date=21 Apr 2015|work=New York Daily News|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424213137/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/court-oks-islamic-killing-jews-posters-mta-buses-article-1.2193711|archive-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
In January 2015 a Muslim group organized a fundraiser called "Stand With the Prophet in Honor and Respect" at the ] in ].<ref name="wash_'Sta">{{Cite web|title='Stand With Prophet' event in Texas draws thousands of protesters|last=Chasmar|first=Jessica|work=The Washington Times|date=January 18, 2015|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/18/stand-with-prophet-event-in-texas-draws-thousands-|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507214133/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/18/stand-with-prophet-event-in-texas-draws-thousands-/|archive-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Pamela Geller spearheaded about 1,000 picketers at that event.<ref name="seat_City">{{Cite web|title=City: 2 gunmen killed outside Muhammad cartoon contest|last1=Merchant|first1=Nomaan|last2=Stengle|first2=Jamie|work=The Seattle Times|date=May 3, 2015|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/officer-shooting-at-muhammad-cartoon-contest-in-texas|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521162524/http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/officer-shooting-at-muhammad-cartoon-contest-in-texas/|archive-date=May 21, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="GraduationsNear">{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/garland-mesquite/headlines/20150504-some-fear-culwell-center-now-a-target-as-busy-graduation-season-nears.ece|title=As graduations near, some fear Garland ISD's Culwell Center now a target|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074245/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/garland-mesquite/headlines/20150504-some-fear-culwell-center-now-a-target-as-busy-graduation-season-nears.ece|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Garland Independent School District board president Rick Lambert said in January, "The Culwell Center is available for rental as long as you comply with the law. Because it is a public facility, the district is not allowed to discriminate based upon viewpoint."<ref name="GraduationsNear"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/garland-mesquite/headlines/20150427-islam-debate-returns-to-garland-isds-culwell-center-with-muhammad-art-event.ece|title=Islam debate returns to Garland ISD's Culwell Center with Muhammad art event|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505073425/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/garland-mesquite/headlines/20150427-islam-debate-returns-to-garland-isds-culwell-center-with-muhammad-art-event.ece|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
====Garland shooting==== | |||
{{Main|Curtis Culwell Center attack}} | |||
On May 3, 2015, the SIOA invited ] to an art exhibit in ] that offered a $10,000 prize for the best ]. During the event, a shooting incident occurred.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20150503-gunmen-open-fire-outside-muhammad-art-exhibit-at-garland-isd-facility-police-say.ece|title=Police: Men killed in Garland shooting had assault rifles, body armor|work=dallasnews.com|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003428/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20150503-gunmen-open-fire-outside-muhammad-art-exhibit-at-garland-isd-facility-police-say.ece|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Both gunmen, later identified as ]-inspired,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wfaa.com/news/nation/obama-to-honor-garland-officer-who-shot-islamic-state-inspired-terrorists/190672427|title=Obama honors Garland officer who shot Islamic State-inspired terrorists|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619000540/http://www.wfaa.com/news/nation/obama-to-honor-garland-officer-who-shot-islamic-state-inspired-terrorists/190672427|archive-date=June 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> were shot and killed by police shortly after the suspects shot a security guard.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stack|first1=Liam|title=Gunmen Killed After Firing on Anti-Islamist Group's Event in Texas|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/us/gunmen-killed-after-firing-on-anti-islamist-groups-event.html?module=Notification&version=BreakingNews®ion=FixedTop&action=Click&contentCollection=BreakingNews&contentID=33692099&pgtype=Homepage&_r=0|website=New York Times|access-date=May 4, 2015|date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> | |||
The SIOA says it spent $10,000 on security, and had 40 police officers and private security guards present.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/garland-mohammed-drawing-contest-shooting/index.html|title=Garland shooting: 2 killed after they open fire at Mohammed cartoon event|work=CNN|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505001548/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/04/us/garland-mohammed-drawing-contest-shooting/index.html|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The event was hosted at the Curtis Culwell Center, rented from the ], which hosted an event in January called "Stand with the Prophet".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/18/stand-with-prophet-event-in-texas-draws-thousands-/|title='Stand With Prophet' event in Texas draws thousands of protesters|first=Jessica|last=Chasmar|publisher=The Washington Times|date=2015-01-18|access-date=2015-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010102621/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jan/18/stand-with-prophet-event-in-texas-draws-thousands-/|archive-date=October 10, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
== Stop Islamization of Nations == | |||
Stop Islamization of Nations (SION) is an international counter-jihad<ref name="mulhall"/> organization founded in 2012 by Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer of SIOA, and Anders Gravers Pedersen of SIOE. Other board members are Debbie Robinson, of ];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hopenothate.org.uk/2018/01/17/key-players/#robinson|title=Key players: Debbie Robinson|date=17 January 2017|work=Hope not Hate}}</ref> ], a Canadian publisher; ], a Syrian-American writer; ], an Iranian-born Canadian activist; Stefan Herre, a German author of the ]; ], an Israeli author; Babu Suseelan, a Hindu activist; ], a Swiss politician; ], editor of the ] Report; and Ashraf Rameleh the President of Voice of the Copts.<ref name="2012-01-20_Reuters"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sion-to-hold-international-congress-and-media-workshop-to-address-islamic-supremacist-war-against-free-speech-142749465.html|title=SION to Hold International Congress and Media Workshop to Address Islamic Supremacist War Against Free Speech|date=March 15, 2012|work=PR Newswire}}</ref> Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer are President and Vice President of SION.<ref name="2012-01-20_Reuters">{{cite web | |||
| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/idUS122494+20-Jan-2012+PRN20120120 | |||
| title = Stop Islamization of Nations (SION) Calls on UN to Protect Christians of Syria | |||
| work = Press Release from ] | |||
| publisher = Reuters | |||
| date = 2012-01-20 | |||
| access-date = 2014-12-21 | |||
| url-status = dead | |||
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222544/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/idUS122494+20-Jan-2012+PRN20120120 | |||
| archive-date = 2013-12-02 | |||
}}</ref> SION has taken part in hosting international counter-jihad conferences along with other organisations and multiple individual speakers, including in Stockholm, Sweden and New York City in 2012 and in Melbourne, Australia in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hopenothate.org.uk/2018/01/11/what-is-counter-jihadism/|title=International counter-jihad organisations|date=11 January 2018|work=Hope not hate}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist|30em}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* |
*{{Official website|http://freedomdefense.typepad.com/}} | ||
{{authority control}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 21:26, 18 December 2024
Political advocacy organization
Abbreviation | SIOA |
---|---|
Formation | 2010 (2010) |
Tax ID no. | 27-2518993 |
President | Pamela Geller |
Co-founder | Robert Spencer |
Website | freedomdefense |
Formerly called | American Freedom Defense Initiative |
Stop Islamization of America (SIOA), also known as the American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI), is an anti-Muslim, pro-Israel American counter-jihad organization known primarily for its controversial, Islamophobic advertising campaigns. The group has been described as extremist and far-right. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) lists SIOA as an anti-Muslim hate group.
SIOA was founded in 2010 by its current leaders, Pamela Geller and author Robert Spencer, at the request of Anders Gravers Pedersen, the leader of Stop Islamisation of Europe, of which it is the American affiliate. It has launched ad campaigns in urban public transit systems, including one in New York City opposing Park51, a Muslim community center that had been proposed for Lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center site in 2010. In 2016, they have run public transit advertisements in San Francisco calling for the end of United States security assistance to the Palestinian National Authority.
Ideology
SIOA describes itself as a human rights organization, promoting freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and equal rights. The SIOA's ideology has been called Islamophobic by political and historical scholars, news sources, religious leaders, and hate group watchdogs.
History
2010
SIOA opposed the construction of Park51, originally named Cordoba House, a 13-story Muslim community center proposed for a location two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. On May 6, 2010, Geller posted a blog piece calling the building a "monster mosque" and a "stab in the eye of America" and comparing it to the reconsecration of the Hagia Sophia as a mosque by the Ottoman Turks after they conquered Constantinople in 1453. In another blog post, Geller encouraged readers to protest its construction.
In July 2010, the organization purchased bus advertising in New York and other American cities promoting a website purporting to advocate for Muslims who wanted to disclaim their religion but who feared they might be killed by other Muslims if they did so. The Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the premise of the ads, that there were any such Muslims, calling it "a smoke screen to advance long-standing history of anti-Muslim bigotry".
The Anti-Defamation League, beginning in 2010, included SIOA in their online resource on extremist groups, saying that it "promotes a conspiratorial anti-Muslim agenda under the guise of fighting radical Islam" and "seeks to rouse public fears by consistently vilifying the Islamic faith and asserting the existence of an Islamic conspiracy to destroy 'American' values."
2011
In 2011, the Southern Poverty Law Center named SIOA an anti-Muslim hate group, calling it a "propaganda powerhouse" that paints moderate Muslims as radical terrorists. Geller described the SPLC listing as a "badge of honor" and later, in 2015, stated to CNN, "Who designated the SPLC as a legitimate authority? They are a radical leftist group who targets patriots, vets and even GOP presidential candidates. They have never named a jihadi group as a hate group."
In July and August 2011, Geller and Spencer were discussed in the media because Norwegian mass-murderer Anders Behring Breivik's anti-Muslim manifesto quoted Spencer at length, and also cited Geller's blog. According to Heidi Beirich, deputy director of SPLC, Geller and Spencer's writings were "the primary sources for the anti-Muslim propaganda that had helped give voice" to Breivik's 1500+ page manifesto. SIOA published a statement jointly with Jihad Watch and Stop Islamisation of Europe condemning Breivik's attack.
2012
In 2012, SIOA sponsored ads in the public transit systems of New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago reading, "In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat Jihad." The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) initially refused to display them. The authority's decision was ruled unconstitutional by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in July 2012. Judge Engelmayer held that SIOA's ad was "core political speech" protected by the First Amendment.
Rabbis for Human Rights, the Sojourners Community, and United Methodist Women all sponsored subway ads countering SIOA's original ad and promoting religious tolerance. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs called SIOA's ad "bigoted, divisive, and unhelpful", and Steve Gutow, its president, said, "The fact that ads have been placed in the subway attacking Israel does not excuse the use of attack ads against Muslims." William McGurn, a former speechwriter for George W. Bush, wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal supporting the ads, arguing that "savage" was an appropriate term to describe jihadists, and criticizing "our new political correctness".
During the 2012 tax year, the organization reported total revenue of $157,870.00, no employee salary or compensation, and total operating expenses of $296,044.00.
2013
In early January 2013, the SIOA placed advertisements in New York City Subway stations. that juxtaposed images of the September 11 attacks with a quote from the Quran: "Soon shall we cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers." By that time the New York City Transit Authority, had changed its advertising policy to accept what it called "viewpoint advertisements" but to require a disclaimer saying that the Transit Authority did not endorse the advertiser's views.
In the fiscal year 2013, the organization disclosed a complete revenue amounting to $958,800.00. Employee wages and benefits stood at $243,150.00, while the overall operational costs totaled $419,652.00.
2014
In response to an ad by the American Muslims for Palestine that the SIOA called "Jew-hating", the SIOA sponsored an ad on Washington, D.C., buses with a photograph of Adolf Hitler and Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem who supported the Nazi dictator before and during World War II.
In May, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was not required to grant SIOA a trademark registration for its name because it could be disparaging to American Muslims. Geller criticized the ruling, calling it a "complete whitewash" and describing the court as having a politically correct bias.
2015
In 2015 the SIOA started a new ad campaign in New York, that included one parody billboard with a quote from Hamas stating 'Killing Jews is worship that draws us close to Allah.' A court judgement in April 2015 ruled that New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority cannot prevent the ads from running on buses.
In January 2015 a Muslim group organized a fundraiser called "Stand With the Prophet in Honor and Respect" at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. Pamela Geller spearheaded about 1,000 picketers at that event. The Garland Independent School District board president Rick Lambert said in January, "The Culwell Center is available for rental as long as you comply with the law. Because it is a public facility, the district is not allowed to discriminate based upon viewpoint."
Garland shooting
Main article: Curtis Culwell Center attackOn May 3, 2015, the SIOA invited Geert Wilders to an art exhibit in Garland, Texas that offered a $10,000 prize for the best cartoon of Muhammad. During the event, a shooting incident occurred. Both gunmen, later identified as ISIL-inspired, were shot and killed by police shortly after the suspects shot a security guard.
The SIOA says it spent $10,000 on security, and had 40 police officers and private security guards present. The event was hosted at the Curtis Culwell Center, rented from the Garland Independent School District, which hosted an event in January called "Stand with the Prophet".
Stop Islamization of Nations
Stop Islamization of Nations (SION) is an international counter-jihad organization founded in 2012 by Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer of SIOA, and Anders Gravers Pedersen of SIOE. Other board members are Debbie Robinson, of Q Society of Australia; Ezra Levant, a Canadian publisher; Wafa Sultan, a Syrian-American writer; Ali Sina, an Iranian-born Canadian activist; Stefan Herre, a German author of the blog Politically Incorrect; Mordechai Kedar, an Israeli author; Babu Suseelan, a Hindu activist; Oskar Freysinger, a Swiss politician; Cliff Kincaid, editor of the Accuracy in Media Report; and Ashraf Rameleh the President of Voice of the Copts. Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer are President and Vice President of SION. SION has taken part in hosting international counter-jihad conferences along with other organisations and multiple individual speakers, including in Stockholm, Sweden and New York City in 2012 and in Melbourne, Australia in 2014.
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...the other leading sources of anti-Muslim racism are... Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer's Stop Islamization of America...
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In the Bay Area, more than 125 religious leaders of various faiths signed a statement in July denouncing the ads as "Islamophobic"
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Geller heads a small but vocal extreme right-wing group, called Stop Islamization of America. cf. note 4 (p.374) SIOA is associated with Stop Islamization of Europe, an organization with branches in nearly a dozen countries (mostly in Western Europe), founded by an eponymous Danish group that opposes immigration of Muslims to Europe.
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...the other leading sources of anti-Muslim racism are... Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer's Stop Islamization of America...
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In the Bay Area, more than 125 religious leaders of various faiths signed a statement in July denouncing the ads as "Islamophobic"
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