A renewed proposal to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer from loudspeakers at Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque has reignited debate, with critics warning it could impose religious messages on nearby residents while others argue it reflects equal treatment of faith communities.
The Lebanese Muslim Association is seeking approval to install four loudspeakers on the mosque’s minaret, approximately 20 metres above street level.
A previous application, which proposed broadcasting the Adhan once a week on Fridays for up to 15 minutes before lunchtime prayers, was rejected by council following concerns about noise impacts.
Centre for Independent Studies culture and religion expert Associate Professor Peter Kurti said the proposal would extend religious practice into public space.
“What the Adhan is doing is turning a public space into, in my view, an extension of the mosque itself, and I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Mr Kurti said.
“Australia is not a religious society. We are a secular society. To maintain the principles of a secular liberal democracy, there needs to be limits on religious freedom, freedom of expression and the ways religious communities express themselves.”
Mr Kurti also warned the broadcasts could create tensions within the community.
“If those views are being imposed and people don’t want to hear them, but have no choice but to hear them, I think that sets up unnecessary strains in the community and makes it difficult for us to live together as a society,” he said.
Community reaction has been mixed. A practising Muslim identified as “Marwin” said a Friday-only broadcast would be acceptable but expressed concern about expanding the practice beyond once a week.
Others, including Lakemba business owner John Mavroforas, whose JM Computer Repairs shop is located opposite the mosque, supported the proposal.
“Just like us, we’re Christians. Any religion has their religious holidays. They have speakers, we have bells — it’s just fair,” he said.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
