The City Council of Temecula, CA decided that a proposed mosque met all zoning requirements and voted to approve its construction, despite opposition that supporters claim was fueled by religious reasons and not concerns over traffic and parking.
The issue of land use and religion has become a heated topic since a plan was revealed to build an Islamic center near Ground Zero in New York. This article describes the debate that was involved in the lead up to the decision by the City Council of Temecula.
Some protesters cited concerns over congestion and flooding as their motivation. Others expressed concerns about radicalization.
From the Huffington Post: "In response, the City Council modified the construction permit to include traffic reviews every five years and ban the use of external speakers that could be used for calls to prayer."
"That's the beauty of America. It's a good place to put a mosque anywhere as long as we meet the requirements of the city and the state, all the ordinances," said Hadi Nael, chairman of the mosque board. "This is a great country – everybody has the freedom of speech and freedom of religion."
Read the full story: Temecula Mosque to be Built Despite Protests
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