"Not Only Religious Freedom but Also Against Christian Spirit"
"Rejecting 1 Billion Muslims Is Not a Global Daegu"
Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, stated that a certain cult religious group creating 'Islamophobia' should be expelled from Daegu.
On the 10th, Mayor Hong wrote on his Facebook, "There are already cathedrals, churches, and temples in residential areas of our country," adding, "Saying that only Islam is not allowed is not only a violation of religious freedom but also something that pseudo-Christian groups who go against the spirit of Christianity would do."
He further added, "I have received reports that those inciting some residents of Buk-gu who oppose the construction of the Islamic mosque are specific pseudo-Christian groups who came down from Seoul."
He continued, "To make Daegu a global city in the world, it cannot be done by excluding 1 billion Muslims," emphasizing, "We must expel the specific pseudo-Christian groups creating Islamophobia from Daegu."
The Islamic mosque being constructed around the Kyungpook National University West Gate area in Daehyeon-dong was halted in February 2021 due to strong opposition from residents. Later, after the Muslim building owner won a lawsuit against the residents, construction resumed in August 2022.
However, some opponents have continued conflicts by performing acts such as grilling whole pig barbecue in front of the mosque construction site or grilling samgyeopsal in front of the Buk-gu Office of Daegu City, provoking Muslim believers who forbid pork consumption.
Earlier, Mayor Hong emphasized citizens' inclusiveness by saying, "To become a global Daegu, not only Islamic mosques but also Hindu temples must be established."
At a press conference held at the Dongin Office of Daegu City Hall on the afternoon of the 30th of last month, Mayor Hong said, "If we get bogged down by opposition from some religious groups, we cannot overcome Daegu's closed-mindedness," and questioned, "How can we exclude certain religions while promoting a global Daegu?"
He added, "Singapore became a world city because it has Hinduism, Islam, and even Taoist temples from China," emphasizing, "Insulting and mocking specific religions does not help Daegu become a global city."
Mayor Hong also stated, "The conflict over the Islamic mosque is not a religious issue but a matter of inconvenience in daily life," adding, "If the sound during prayer leaking outside is uncomfortable, soundproof walls can be installed."
Meanwhile, Mayor Hong expressed opposition to the 15th Dongseongno Queer Festival scheduled for the 17th.
On the 8th, Mayor Hong said on Facebook, "I oppose the Queer Festival because it tarnishes the image of Dongseongno's commercial district, a symbol of Daegu, and may instill incorrect sexual culture in youth."
On the 7th, the Daegu Christian Council and 33 store owners in Dongseongno filed a provisional injunction with the Daegu District Court to ban the Queer Festival assembly.
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