California Councilman Criticized for Muhammad Remark

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – A Southern California councilman is drawing criticism for mentioning in a public meeting that he named his dog after the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has called on Derek Reeve to apologize for his comment at a recent San Juan Capistrano council meeting. The Islamic advocacy group says Reeve mentioned naming his dogs America and Muhammad during a discussion about a new dog park.

CAIR's executive director in greater Los Angeles says while Reeve has a right to free speech, his "distasteful remark" is unbefitting of an elected official. The city's mayor and another councilman also criticized Reeve.

An email message seeking comment from Reeve wasn't immediately returned Wednesday.

The Orange County Register reports that Reeve said he named his dog Muhammad as a political statement.