Muslim Minneapolis council members wanted iftar in city building. Frey administration said you cant.

Minneapolis City Council members Aisha Chughtai, Aurin Chowdhury, Jamal Osman, and Jeremiah Ellison faced disappointment when the Mayor's administration canceled their planned iftar event, which was set to take place in a city building. Citing the separation of church and state, city officials stated that city funds and property cannot be used for religious events, regardless of the faith involved. The council members described the iftar as an interfaith gathering, emphasizing its role in fostering community relationships. They raised concerns about perceived double standards, noting that the Minneapolis Police Chief had hosted similar iftars using city resources in previous years. The city responded that while the council could host the event in a private venue, they opted to cancel instead.

This situation has sparked discussions about inclusivity and the importance of public spaces being accessible to all communities. Council Member Chowdhury articulated the need for unity during challenging times, urging residents to break bread with their Muslim neighbors. The administration's decision has led to heightened scrutiny regarding how public resources are allocated for religious events.