Should Muslims be permitted to build a mosque in Newton County?

A controversy of the type that previously riled Lilburn and Kennesaw has arisen in Newton County: A Muslim group has bought land there.

When word recently got out that the Al Maad Al Islami mosque had acquired 135 acres on Ga. 162 and gotten a county permit for a place of worship (it has not yet submitted any building plans), a “Stop the Mosque” Facebook page went up.

The County Board imposed a five-week moratorium on construction of new houses of worship. Hundreds turned out Monday for public hearings on the issue. Most opposed a mosque, citing concerns about terrorism, assimilation and the impact of a large development.

Earlier, County Commissioner John Douglas wondered to the Rockdale Citizen if a mosque would make Newton “a prime area for the federal government to resettle refugees from the Middle East.”

Mohammad Islam, the imam or religious leader of Al Maad Al Islami, said his group planned a cemetery and a “simple” mosque on the site, and eventually a park, residences and a school. “Where are we going to bury our children?” he asked.

The NAACP and various Muslim organizations have charged discrimination and called for a federal investigation. County officials say they just want time to study and possibly update rules on “campus-like” places of worship that include schools, residences and other facilities.

In 2009, the Lilburn City Council denied a request to expand a Muslim worship center, but granted permission in 2011 after a lawsuit and U.S. Justice Department intervention. The Kennesaw City Council in December 2014 denied a mosque in a storefront, but reversed itself two weeks later after being swamped with criticism.

Is Newton County government responding appropriately to legitimate development issues? Or is it reflecting the religious prejudices of some residents? Tell us what you think. Send comments by email to communitynews@ ajc.com.