Lega proposes law in Lombardy to regulate unauthorized mosques

The Lega party has introduced a bill in the Lombardy Regional Council aimed at cracking down on unauthorized mosques. The proposal stipulates that religious activities and collective gatherings must be tied to religious denominations that have signed formal agreements with the Italian state. It specifically seeks to prevent the conversion of warehouses, shops, or association headquarters into prayer spaces by bypassing urban planning regulations.

The bill aims to grant mayors increased authority to monitor, suspend, and penalize the irregular use of real estate for worship. It also requires religious sites to comply with urban standards regarding parking, traffic, and neighborhood density, while calling for greater transparency regarding religious funding.

The announcement at the Pirelli building was met with protests from Democratic Party (PD) regional councilors. Demonstrators held signs urging Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini to focus on transportation issues, such as trains and buses, rather than regional legislation. The PD members criticized the timing of the press conference, contrasting the religious bill with ongoing debates regarding the Regional Mobility and Transport Plan.