Butch Femme Planet - View Single Post

AtLast · 09-01-2010, 03:12 PM

Just mulling something over...

Would there be a difference to the anti-Islamic factions, if the planned prayer room (it is NOT a Mosque!!) were taken out of the equation? Just a community center for Muslim folks, without a room designated for prayer? Frankly, I think not. This BS would have been the same if the proposed plans did not have this as part of the construction goals.

Also, I have taken part in many events, etc. in community centers of all kinds. Some religious, some not. Most have some kind of prayer room in them, and many are non-sectarian- just a room for quiet contemplation and some privacy. Even in centers that were built by a particular religion, prayer rooms were open for anyone of any religion (or none) to use. Hospitals with no religious ties also have such rooms or chapels which are open to all.

Frankly, most types of municipal community-based organizational structures have to follow codes and ordinances based within their municipality and cannot stop anyone from using their facilities as long as dues, etc. are paid and rules followed. A Catholic or Baptist can utilize gym equipment, rent facilities for an event, etc. in a community center of another faith.

Hummmmm... I have given myself some more homework as to finding out if in fact this prayer room would be open to any person, including non-Muslims (having a quiet, meditative space in a large noisy city is a good thing for any of us, I believe)?

Argh... where do I look into NYC ordinances for this kind of structure and organization? Just because it is being constructed by a particular religion, does not mean it will serve only that population.

Trying to focus on the community in the community center concept, here!

09-01-2010, 03:12 PM	#125
AtLast Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Woman Preferred Pronoun?: HER - SHE Relationship Status: Relating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird Posts: 5,408 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,826 Thanked 10,827 Times in 3,199 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Just mulling something over... Would there be a difference to the anti-Islamic factions, if the planned prayer room (it is NOT a Mosque!!) were taken out of the equation? Just a community center for Muslim folks, without a room designated for prayer? Frankly, I think not. This BS would have been the same if the proposed plans did not have this as part of the construction goals. Also, I have taken part in many events, etc. in community centers of all kinds. Some religious, some not. Most have some kind of prayer room in them, and many are non-sectarian- just a room for quiet contemplation and some privacy. Even in centers that were built by a particular religion, prayer rooms were open for anyone of any religion (or none) to use. Hospitals with no religious ties also have such rooms or chapels which are open to all. Frankly, most types of municipal community-based organizational structures have to follow codes and ordinances based within their municipality and cannot stop anyone from using their facilities as long as dues, etc. are paid and rules followed. A Catholic or Baptist can utilize gym equipment, rent facilities for an event, etc. in a community center of another faith. Hummmmm... I have given myself some more homework as to finding out if in fact this prayer room would be open to any person, including non-Muslims (having a quiet, meditative space in a large noisy city is a good thing for any of us, I believe)? Argh... where do I look into NYC ordinances for this kind of structure and organization? Just because it is being constructed by a particular religion, does not mean it will serve only that population. Trying to focus on the community in the community center concept, here!