In essense, I agree with you wholeheartedly - but you are missing the point on this one.
It is a bad example given the pre existing rules of the pool.
a good example would be my city's idiot mayor giving a speech at a new mosque saying how "wonderful" it s to have cultural diversity in Boston, and then a few months later having the place investigated for terroristic teachings.
Whether or not a few "shy" (for lack of a better term) women want to take a dip in a rented pool in Seattle is not my concern. What should worry about is what their husbands and sons are talking about in their mosque.
"Whether or not a few "shy" (for lack of a better term) women want to take a dip in a rented pool in Seattle is not my concern. What should worry about is what their husbands and sons are talking about in their mosque."
I'm doing what you're not supposed to do in law... applying what I know, and applying common sense.
If a bunch of Amish, or Orthodox women wanted to rent the place for an evening of modest fun, ok. It doesn't affect me, and it doesn't harm me. I say have fun.
But, from the big picture perspective, I know what islam is about. This is symbolic as much as anything else. This is islam's refusal to assimilate, and knowing how aggressive muslims are, I would wager it won't be long before they'll push the envelope. What's next, requiring public sponsored time for muslims without infidels in the pool? Think that won't happen? Think they won't offend infidels such as myself by sounding the call to prayer 5 times a day in public?
When you start giving ground, it gets harder and harder to make a stand. Stand now. If they want to assimilate, great, let them be part of us. Don't let them balkanize us.
As for the women, who are nothing more than possessions to the muslim men... I would bet 1/2 of them would rather swim like westerners. Anytime they wish, without being in full dress. But, to risk that is to risk a horrible beating.
Gee, why would I be upset about people like that?