Newton County Commission Approves Controversial Mosque

NEWTON COUNTY, GA — The county commission has agreed to lift a moratorium that would have prohibited the building of a mosque in the metro Atlanta suburb.

On Wednesday, the commission said it plans to lift the moratorium at its Sept. 13, 2016 meeting, after many local citizens expressed their opposition to the mosque.

"As a result of the county's quick and efficient review of our zoning ordinances, I plan to vote in favor of lifting the moratorium at the special called meeting on September 13," said District 3 commissioner Nancy Schulz. "Newton County is rich in diversity and hospitality, and we are happy to see residents of all faiths and backgrounds live and worship together in our community."

"We thank and commend the Newton County commissioners for pledging to lift the moratorium on permits for houses of worship," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Georgia said. "Although Newton Muslims will once again have the right to proceed with building a cemetery and house of worship, they plan to first spend more time building bridges with their neighbors."

Imam Mohammed Islam, the leader of Masjid At-Taqwa in Doraville, has accepted invitations to attend Sunday service at different churches in the area throughout September.

Earlier this month, the commission passed the temporary moratorium on new permitting for all places of worship. According to an 11 Alive report, several meetings were held with local residents who expressed their anxiety about the mosque and a proposed cemetery.

"I say not just no but absolutely no," one man said in a public meeting. Another resident said, "You and your children will be living under Sharia law, putting your hand over your heart for Allah."

“We pledge to work collaboratively with the applicant throughout the review process to ensure the project meets federal and state requirements and follows local ordinances and laws. Once plans are approved, the county can issue permits and construction begins,” said County Manager Lloyd Kerr.

“I encourage us to create a community where people from all walks of life and backgrounds are proud to live, work and play in Newton County. I will vote in support of removing the temporary moratorium at the September 13, 2016 special called meeting,” District 2 Commissioner Lanier Sims said.

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