Published Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 | 11:45 a.m.
Updated Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 | 6:13 p.m.
An alleged incident involving airport police and atheist religious group the Raelians is being investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Raelian officials allege that religious discrimination occurred at McCarran International Airport Dec. 6 when members of the group who were awaiting the arrival of spiritual leader Rael were escorted out of the airport under the threat of arrest by Metro police.
According to a news release issued by the Raelians Dec. 8, the group members at the airport were doing nothing to warrant their removal from the airport.
Metro officer Barbara Morgan said the incident has sparked an internal investigation at Metro.
"A complaint was opened up by one of the Raelians and our internal affairs office is looking into it," she said.
Details of the incident may not be discussed until the investigation is over, she said.
McCarran Spokesman Chris Jones said the Clark County Department of Aviation disputes the claims that members of the Raelian movement were subjected to religious discrimination by airport personnel.
"The Raelian group was not escorted out of the airport," he said. Jones said group members refused repeated requests to move so as not to impede foot traffic, but that after the arrival of the person for whom they were waiting the group proceeded unescorted to baggage claim.
"After their bags were collected, the Raelian group left the airport under no duress from McCarran personnel or police," Jones said.
As with Metro, the airport has also received a complaint from the group.
The Raelian movement purports that life on earth was created by extra terrestrials. The group is well-known for a 2003 claim that its members had made a human clone.
It is also known for the symbol the group uses: a Star of David imposed over a swastika.
In the news release, the group's officials said they have asked their attorneys to sue both the police department and the airport and that they are seeking a public apology. The group has also threatened to host public protests.
Ashley Livingston can be reached at 990-8925 or [email protected].
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