Videocrux - Denmark's first mosque stirs controversy

#Videocrux - Denmark's first mosque stirs controversy Denmark's first mosque stirs controversy
While in many multi-ethnic European countries, mosques are nothing new. In Denmark, plans to build the country's first mosque has stirred up a lot of controversy. Local elections are taking place on November 17th and a focal point in the vote is the mosque.
Denmark's muslims get their first mosque
A former factory in Copenhagen has been allotted for the city mosque to be built. Denmark's first mosque will be built after construction was approved by the city council.
Politicians try win votes of 200,000 muslims
Breaking down barriers and opening doors to an increasingly important vote. There are an estimated 200,000 Muslims living in Denmark. Everyone is trying to win the votes of Copenhagen’s Muslim community which make up about 15% of the city’s population.
Danish people's party protest against Iran funding
The far-right Danish People’s Party has launched a campaign against what they call an “Islamic citadel”. They claim that part of the estimated six million euros of private funding for the new mosque come from Iran. Finn Rudaizsky, Danish People’s Party city councillor saying "If they pay for the mosque and it's about 50 millions of DKK, they also want to decide what's going on in the mosque and that's what we're worrying about".
Party fails to block mosque
While, the far right has failed to block the mosque they have touched a raw nerve in this small country with a strong national identity. There is a very very high degree of homogeneity in Danish society and that may explain why Islam phobia is so strong here.
People's party betting on anti-mosque crusade
In the European elections last June the far-right won 15 percent of the vote. They are betting their anti-mosque crusade will win the hearts of voters in next month’s local elections or will courting the Muslim vote reap richer benefits.

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