Summarised by Centrist
Wellington’s Kilbirnie Mosque plans to broadcast the call to prayer three times a year.
Council documents reveal the mosque’s request to broadcast calls to prayer on the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks, once during Eid al-Adha, and once during Eid al-Fitr.
Each amplified call would last between one and two minutes. Proponents say only those assembled in the mosque forecourt would be able to hear them.
Mayor Tory Whanau introduced an amendment earlier this year to review noise limits for events like prayer calls and music venues.
Despite initial concerns about how often these calls would be heard, council documents state that regular daily broadcasts would require resource consent. There are currently no plans for more frequent calls.
Whanau compared these calls to church bells, noting they are intended for special occasions, like March 15, rather than daily events.
