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| Southeast Asia |
| Australian council accused of racism after rejecting mosque |
| 2002-12-18 |
| Malaysiakini/AFP An Australian council was accused Wednesday of racism over a decision to reject an application for a Muslim prayer centre following an angry backlash by thousands of residents opposed to the building. The council in the leafy Sydney suburb of Baulkham Hills rejected the application by 10-2 on the grounds it was not in the community interest, not compatible with the area and not in accordance with the community's shared beliefs. A development application to the council by local businessman Abbas Ali prompted an unprecedented flood of 5,000 letters to council, demanding it oppose the building. More than 250 people packed the council chambers on Tuesday night to hear the long-awaited decision. "Thanks, but no thanks. You'll have to store your explosives elsewhere." Ali has complained to the local media that his premises have been vandalised and sprayed with slogans since he submitted the development application. He said there was a demand from local Islamic families for such a prayer centre, which would have been used twice a week. And on "special occasions." |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |
| #1 Seems like the good people of Baulkham Hills have their collective heads screwed on. |
| Posted by: Tony 2002-12-19 03:13:10 |