Austrian state bans mosques
VIENNA — The southernmost Austrian state of Carinthia has passed a law effectively banning the construction of mosques, drawing fire from the opposition and Muslims for religious freedom violations.
"I can only recommend to all to have the courage to stand up effectively against this Islamisation that is creeping through Europe and represents a totally different culture," Governor Joerg Haider was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We are really the pioneers on this," added Haider, also the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Future of Austria party.
The law requires plans for any building of "extraordinary architecture or size" to be approved by a commission to judge its compatibility with the standard look of towns. This means that mosques would stand little chance of permits.
Martin Sullivan