The American organization that had its ads pulled from city buses this week will get a refund.
The controversial ads —paid for by the American Freedom Defense Initiative and Stop Islam of America — read, “Is your family threatening you? Is there a Fatwa on Your Head?” and featured seven photos of young women, some wearing hijabs. Smaller text read, “Muslim Girls Honor Killed by Their Families.”
The group had paid $500 per sign for five signs to run for four weeks, but they were all pulled after six days due to a “handful” of public complaints from people who felt the signs were anti-Muslim.
“We don’t believe that we should be charging for something that people do not receive,” said Scott Gibb, Edmonton sales director for Pattison Outdoor, the group responsible for approving and selling ads on Edmonton Transit.
Pamela Geller, executive director of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, said it’s an “abomination” that the ads were pulled. She said her group bought signs in Edmonton after hearing from residents who claimed they’d seen ads here “proselytizing for Islam.”
“Helping girls escape dangerous situations should hardly be considered controversial — or even more ludicrous, racist,” she said.
“We’re clearly not painting all Muslims with this broad brush.”
Coun. Amarjeet Sohi, who ordered city officials to take down the signs, said they do a disservice to local organizations that are working hard to fight domestic violence.
“I don’t think we need an American organization with a very hidden agenda to demean and defame people of Muslim faith,” he said.
Sohi is a supporter of the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association, which has been working for years to raise awareness about honour killings.
“I know many, many people within the Muslim community who are working so hard to raise awareness about domestic violence. Edmonton’s local Muslim community leaders were the first ones to denounce the honour killing of girls in Ontario (in 2009),” Sohi said.
Sohi has taken some heat for the move, but said the overwhelming majority of people he’s heard from support removing the ads.
He feels some people objected to the wording of his previous comments, in which he stated honour killings are a serious concern in “every community.”
“The point that I was trying to make is that any honour-based violence is an extreme form of domestic violence and family violence. And domestic violence and family violence is prevalent in many communities,” he clarified.
Gibb said Pattison Outdoor will review its process for approving ads.