Published time: 29 Sep, 2016 17:03
Edited time: 29 Sep, 2016 20:11

The Italian region of Liguria has approved a controversial law that may make it almost impossible for new mosques to be built in the area. Critics describe the law as anti-constitutional.

The set of new rules suggested by the Northern League party was adopted by a narrow majority, with 16 votes in favor and 15 against on Wednesday, according to Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX.

The new restrictions define the criteria a new religious building should meet to gain a construction permit.

Any such construction must not run counter to the “architectural and dimensional suitability of religious buildings with the general and specific characteristics of the Ligurian landscape,” the paper reported, meaning mosques and minarets may be found “un-Ligurian” and as such don’t belong to the current image of the region.

The law, though not attributed to any particular religion, has been dubbed “anti-mosque” by local media outlets.

Politicians opposed to the legislation, including members of the Five Star Movement (Cinque Stelle) and the Democratic Party (PD), claim the law goes against Italy’s constitution, the Corriere Della Sera newspaper reported.

Marco Scajola, city planning assessor in Liguria, who supports the law, rejected the accusations, saying that “respecting the general characteristics of Liguria's landscape is a merit, not a fault,” l’Occidentale reported. He added that the plan would introduce “clear rules, without overstepping municipalities and citizens.”

More:

https://www.rt.com/news/361111-italy-liguria-mosques-law/

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IZAKOVIC