evidence: Sumaya Abdel Qader, a Muslim sociologist in Milan who is a member of the city council, called the agreement "a positive step," during a telephone interview. "It's very important that there’s a dialogue between the government and Muslim institutions," she said. But she noted that some of the requirements "have made some Muslims feel like they’re being treated unequally." She argued that it is "unfair" that a specific faith be singled out and required to hold sermons in Italian — but recognized the reality of widespread distrust of Muslims. "I understand we’re living in a unique historical context, so we’ll have to accept this," she said.