A council in western Sydney, Australia, has rejected a proposal from Lakemba Mosque to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer over loudspeakers every Friday.
Lakemba Mosque, operated by the Lebanese Muslim Association, had sought approval to broadcast the call to prayer for 15 minutes once a week using four loudspeakers.
The proposal sparked strong opposition from local residents, with more than 1,600 submissions reportedly lodged against it.
Independent councillor Saud Abu-Sameh supported the proposal and responded to concerns about the sound by telling residents: “If you’re really annoyed about the bell or about the sound, close your windows.”
The council ultimately rejected the proposal, meaning the weekly outdoor broadcast will not proceed.
