# Dearborn mayor sued over Muslim holiday displays

> Mayor faces lawsuit after city ignores Christian holiday requests.
- Title: Dearborn mayor sued over Muslim holiday displays · Fox News
- Summary: Mayor faces lawsuit after city ignores Christian holiday requests. Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud sued for violating religious equality after city…
- Keywords: dearborn, abduh, michael, muslim, christian, holy days, first amendment, religious favoritism, michigan, sue, news, politics
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/swing-state-mayor-sued-citys-muslim-holiday-displays-ignite-religious-favoritism-fight
- Author: Elaine Mallon
- Published: 2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dearborn, abduh, michael, muslim, christian, holy days, first amendment, religious favoritism, michigan, sue, news, politics
## Lawsuit filed
Margot Cleveland sued Dearborn city and mayor Abdullah Hammoud for violating religious equality rights.

> We are not a nation of Muslims
## City celebrates Muslim holidays
The city spent $1,500 on Ramadan banners and $5,000 on crescent-moon displays in spring 2025.
## Mayor ignores requests
City officials ignored Cleveland's repeated requests for equal recognition of Christian and Jewish holy days.
## Mayor's hostile comment
Mayor called Christian pastor Ted Barham a 'bigot' and said he was 'not welcome' in Dearborn.

> you are not welcome here
## City expands displays
The city expanded Ramadan displays with crescent-and-star lights on streetlights in February 2026.
## Mayor's response
Mayor said the city's displays reflect its identity as a diverse community.
## Sue for religious equality
Cleveland pushed back, saying she was a concerned resident ignored when asking for equal treatment.

> a concerned resident who was ignored
## What happens next
The lawsuit could lead to court decisions on religious equality in public displays.
## Key takeaway

Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud sued for violating religious equality after city celebrated Muslim holidays without recognizing Christian and Jewish holidays.