Mufti: Let men and women pray together

SYDNEY, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The Mufti of Australia wants to allow men and women to pray together in the country's mosques, a break with tradition observers say may anger some Muslims.

Sheik Fehmi Naji el-Imam argues that separating the sexes in mosques is a cultural matter, not a religious one required by the Koran, The Age reports. He plans to propose the change at the Australian National Imams' Council meeting in December.

He told the newspaper he is trying to respond to complaints from Muslim women that the religion discriminates against them.

"It is good to hear the complaints of the sisters, and to try to find some solution to their concerns," he said. "My duty is to propose, to discuss and try to convince. I can't guarantee the outcome."