Court Overturns Syndey Council's Decision to Prohibit Mosque Construction

July 30, 2003

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/30/1059480380772.html

On July 30, 2003 The Sydney Morning Herald reported that "the NSW [New South Wales] Land and Environment Court...overturned a Sydney council's decision to refuse a development application for a Muslim prayer centre. New Century Developments director Abbas Aly took Baulkham Hills Council to the Land and Environment Court in a bid to reverse a decision because he said it was the right of every Australian to practise what they believe. In rejecting the application, the council said the house of worship would impact on the rural-residential character of the area and cause social unrest and anti-social behaviour. It said a Muslim prayer centre was not in accordance with the community's shared beliefs. But the court...said it agreed with Mr Aly and overturned the council decision."