South Africa to Shut Down Gay- friendly Mosque

South Africa’s first gay-friendly mosque, called the “Open
Mosque”  is sparking quite a bit of controversy.
The mosque has been described as extremely liberal, allowing
women to lead prayers, and showing tolerance for gay individuals.
Authorities in Cape Town, where the mosque is located, are
planning on shutting it down, BBC reports.
Taj Hargey , the founder of the mosque, alleges that city council is
trying to close the mosque by using “ridiculous” by-laws as an
excuse.
” I will not be threatened by them or anyone else. We have freedom
of religion and expression in this country. No-one has the right to
tell anyone what to believe in. This is a gender equal mosque,
autonomous and independent and will remain so,” he said.
However, city councilor, Ganief Hendrickshas stated that plans to
shut down the mosque have nothing to do with its liberal stance.
He stated that Hargey had converted the building from a
warehouse to a mosque, without considering the health and safety
implications. He also said that the building violated violated
municipal by-laws by not having any parking spaces.
However, Hargey insists that the city council wants to close down
the mosque due to its desire to maintain a “theological monopoly.”
“This mosque is based on the original mosque in Medina with one
door where men and women come together to pray.
“I want my mother, wife, daughter to pray alongside me. Not be
second class citizens. They pray together at Haj, why can’t they
pray together in the mosques of the world?”
“This is not a gay mosque. But I will not turn anyone away based
on race or sexual orientation, he said