VIENNA, Austria
The Austrian Federal Council, the second chamber of Austria’s parliament, too gave its approval Thursday to the controversial "Islam bill" that revises a historic law on the status of Muslims in the country.
Earlier, the bill was approved by the parliament on Feb. 25.
Some representatives of the extreme right-wing Freedom Party of Austria demanded that the bill be sent back to the National Assembly for a further revision, arguing that Islam was not part of Austria and did not adhere to European values. Also, the party said the bill was not enough to stop radicalization in Austria.
The Social Democratic Party of Austria and the Austrian People's Party members backed the bill, saying it offered rights and responsibilities to the Muslim community in the country.
Austrian Federal Minister for Arts, Culture, Constitution and Public Service Josef Ostermayer also defended the bill, saying that it was a religious law, not an anti-terrorism law. He stressed that the new regulation was in accordance with national and international laws.
The bill was expected to come into force after the Austrian president signed it.
Islam has been an official religion in Austria since 1912. The Islam law, known as "Islam Gesetz," was introduced by Austria's last emperor, Franz Josef, after the Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The new Austrian law will now require sermons inside mosques to be conducted in German and prohibits foreign financing of Muslim organizations and structures. It also contains provisions that allow Muslims to take time off during Friday prayers and go on holidays during certain religious festivals.
