The controversial proposal over the construction of a mosque in Athens to cater to the thousands of muslim residents has been put to parliament for a vote. On Thursday, the overwhelming majority of parliamentarians voted to accelerate the construction of a mosque with 206 in favour and 24 against. In support were SYRIZA, New Democracy, the Communist Party, Potami and the Centrists’ Union who voted in favour, while Golden Dawn and theIndependent Greeks (ANEL) voted against it. As Greek City Times had previously reported a recent Supreme court ruling overturned an appeal by residents who had filed for the halting of any contruction of a mosque on the grounds that it was unconstitutional. The mosque is expected to be constructed in the Athenian district of Votanikos.
