The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Tuesday it was filing a discrimination lawsuit against Star Taxi in Orlando on behalf of eight Muslim employees who claim they were denied the right to pray by the cab company.
The eight cab drivers allege employment discrimination by the company and a hostile work environment based on their religion.
One of the former drivers claims he was wrongfully terminated for attempting to pray while on his break.
“Star Taxi explicitly prohibited these taxi drivers from praying, which is a violation of the Civil Rights Act,” said Hassan Shibly, executive director ofo CAIR Florida. “It’s un-American and it’s illegal.”
Star Taxi denied any discrimination and said its only restrictions on prayer were that they be done outside high traffic areas for the safety of the drivers and customers.
“Over the course of more than 25 years in business and with a diverse group of hundreds of drivers representing all walks of life, Star Taxi has never previously faced an allegation of discrimination,” said Robert Gaye, president and CEO of Star Taxi. “We have built a culture of acceptance and tolerance among all of those who have driven for Star Taxi through the years.”