The construction of a new mosque in the city of Helsingør in the Nordsjælland region has sparked widespread political controversy within the municipal council, with parties divided between those who support the ban and those who oppose it, even though the project is in line with the applicable local plan, according to the DR website.
Political dispute over the construction project
The case concerns a request from the Helsingør Islamic Society to build a new 1,200-square-meter mosque spread over two floors, adjacent to the existing 412-square-meter building in the Egevænget area. While the project appears legal under the local plan, the Blue Bloc parties are attempting to block it by imposing a temporary injunction that would allow for amendments to the plan.
A vote is expected within the municipal council.
Members of the Helsingør municipal council are preparing to vote on the proposed ban during a scheduled meeting. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the project will be temporarily halted or allowed to continue. This vote reflects the clear political division between the parties.
Concerns about infrastructure and capacity
Helsingør Mayor Benedikte Kiær, a member of the Conservative Party, insists her stance is not about the religious nature of the project, but rather the infrastructure challenges. She says, “It’s not about it being a mosque, but about the activity and the challenges related to the infrastructure and parking in the area. There isn’t enough capacity.”.
Kier explains that the current local plan is outdated, and that a large expansion of the mosque would put significant pressure on traffic and parking spaces, which the municipality considers unacceptable.
The Islamic Association points to increasing overcrowding
Journalists were unable to secure a direct interview with the Helsingør Islamic Association, but the association explained via social media that the existing mosque is under considerable pressure, particularly during Friday prayers. They confirmed that the number of worshippers has increased significantly over the past twenty years, forcing some to pray outside on grass due to insufficient space inside the mosque, according to DR.
Red parties call for dialogue
In contrast, parties belonging to the Red Bloc oppose the ban, arguing that dialogue with the association is the solution, rather than a drastic measure. Noah James Donkin, a city councillor and leader of the Socialist People's Party (SF) bloc, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is a very excessive measure. We believe a common solution should be found through dialogue instead of imposing a ban.".
Background of the decision in the Economic Committee
The Helsingør municipal council's economic committee had previously discussed the issue, with the blue parties voting in favor of the ban, while the red parties and the Moderates party opposed it. This vote reflects the ongoing political division on how to handle the project.
