TEMECULA, Calif., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The city of Temecula, Calif., approved construction of a mosque after an 8-hour hearing that lasted until almost 4 a.m. Wednesday.
The public hearing began at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday with more than 100 people -- including some who traveled from Los Angeles -- signed up to address the City Council, the Los Angeles Times reported. While some of the scheduled speakers left before their turns came up, many stayed into the small hours.
Early in the debate, City Attorney Peter Thorson reminded the council its decision would have to be based on issues such as parking and traffic, and not on whether residents like having a mosque in Temecula. But many of the speakers displayed hostility to Islam or argued the mosque would lure terrorists to the city.
"If you want to come here and not abide by our laws, you can just turn around and find another place to live," Amy Pina of Temecula said.
Others argued for the mosque, which has been in the planning stages for 10 years. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the project in December, but that decision was appealed to the council.
"This was a democratic republic at its best," Councilwoman Maryann Edwards said after the unanimous vote.
