Proposed Suggestions for the Lisbon Mosque Construction
In a move aimed at enhancing religious diversity and promoting social cohesion in Lisbon, the city council approved a recommendation in 2012 to establish a mosque in the Mouraria area [1]. The decision, which followed a joint meeting of the 3rd and 6th standing committees of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, has since been the subject of ongoing discussions and evaluations.
The proposed mosque, part of the Mouraria Square project, is intended to provide dignified and adequate conditions for the practice of Islam in the city, particularly for the communities residing and working in the Martim Moniz-Alameda axis [2]. The recommendation, made by a joint report from the 3rd and 6th standing committees, also emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusion, respect for cultural and religious diversity, and social cohesion in the municipality of Lisbon [3].
The current status of the project involves consultations with various individuals and groups, including the Bangladesh Islamic Center. However, specific details from the recommendations by the 3rd and 6th standing committees are not publicly available [1]. The process appears to be moving forward, but concrete updates or decisions post-committee recommendations are not available at this time.
The recommendation takes into account the constitutional and legal principles of religious freedom and equal treatment between religious denominations [4]. It also suggests developing programs and initiatives to promote the integration of Muslim communities and respect for cultural and religious diversity in Lisbon [5].
The vote on the recommendation was supported by several parties, including BE, Livre, PEV, PCP, PS, PAN, and two non-registered deputies from Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition). António Prôa, the PSD representative, abstained from the vote [6]. The PSD, IL, PPM, CDS-PP, and Chega voted against the recommendation to consider the construction of Praça da Mouraria as an urban solution for Rua da Palma and Rua do Benformoso, which were declared a matter of public utility in 2015 but have seen no progress since [7]. The CDS-PP was the only party that voted in favor of this point in the recommendation.
The MPT (Workers' Party) had previously stated that it would vote against all points of the recommendation [8]. The report also evaluated the potential construction of a new mosque in Mouraria, following consultations with the Bangladesh Islamic Center Association - Baitul Mosque and the Islamic Community of Lisbon [9].
Despite the ongoing discussions and evaluations, the lack of secure informal places of worship in the Mouraria area remains a concern [10]. The city council's commitment to the project and its goals of promoting religious freedom, diversity, and social cohesion in Lisbon continues to be a significant step towards addressing this issue.
[1] [News Article 1] [2] [News Article 2] [3] [News Article 3] [4] [News Article 4] [5] [News Article 5] [6] [News Article 6] [7] [News Article 7] [8] [News Article 8] [9] [News Article 9] [10] [News Article 10]
The Mouraria Square project's proposed mosque, a key element in fostering religious diversity and social cohesion in Lisbon, is backed by a recommendation from the 3rd and 6th standing committees. This recommendation encourages the creation of programs and initiatives to promote Muslim community integration, respect for cultural and religious diversity, and adheres to principles of religious freedom and equal treatment.
