A regional government
commission in the northern Lombardy region on Thursday approved
a bill that would limit the opening of new, non-Catholic places
of worship.
The so-called anti-mosque bill submitted by the
regionalist, anti-immigrant and anti-euro Northern League party
of Governor Roberto Maroni would also impose security cameras in
places of worship.
The bill has sparked opposition from the center left and
from civil liberties advocates.
The bill specifically refers to religions that have
conventions with the Italian State and their municipality -
which Islam does not - and that have a "diffused, organized and
consistent presence".
Critics say this would disproportionately affect religions
that do have conventions with Italy, such as the Jewish faith
and the evangelical Christian church.
It will go to the floor of the regional assembly on
Tuesday, sources said.
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