Austrian State Considers Ban On Islam-Inspired Architecture

Carinthia, Austria (AHN) - A de facto ban on the construction of Islam-inspired architecture may be underway in a state in Austria, known for its far-right politics. Carinthia has a draft law that prohibits the building of mosques, minarets and similar designs that radically are different from the traditional genre of the place.

The state's architectural style is reflected by the tourist attractions of the place including th St. Paul's Abbey in the Lavanttal, the Gurk Cathdral and the Hoschosterwitz Castle. Carinthia is also known for its lakes and ski resorts.

Uwe Scheuch, the Carinthia's Minister for Urban Planning, is the author of the draft law. He belongs to the Alliance for the Future of Austria political party, headed by Jorg Haider, known for his right-wing politics.

Under the draft law, a special commission has the power to determine if a proposed construction project blends with the state's existing architectural style. If it goes against, the special commission may halt the project.

The growing Muslim population in Austria, currently at 4 percent, is one of the reasons behind the snowballing anti-Islam sentiment in the country. Vorarlberg, another Austrian state with the highest ratio of Muslims in Austria, is also mulling a similar prohibition on minarets.