SMART Bus At Odds Over 'Leaving Islam' Ads
DETROIT (WWJ) - The SMART bus system is appealing a court order that could force it to accept ads from an organization trying to convince Muslims to leave Islam.
SMART is asking federal judge Denise Page Hood to suspend a preliminary injunction she imposed.
The judge previously ruled that the transit company violated free speech rights by rejecting ads from the American Freedom Defense Initiative that would go on the sides of SMART buses.
The ads read in part, "Fatwa on your head? Leaving Islam? Got questions? Get answers!"
SMART General Manager John Hertel argued the ads are political nature and he has a right to reject them.
The American Freedom Defense Initiative says SMART is being inconsistent because buses have carried ads promoting atheism.
The next court hearing is scheduled for May 12.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
