A group of 67 State Duma deputies, including leaders of all factions, has introduced a bill proposing to ban religious services and prayer meetings in non-residential premises of apartment buildings.
The bill's authors believe that large-scale religious ceremonies could create inconvenience for residents. As for religious services in residential premises, they will be permitted only to meet the individual spiritual needs of residents.
"Apartment buildings are a place of peace and relaxation for adults and children. I don't think the noise and other inconveniences associated with holding large-scale religious ceremonies in apartments, entryways, or playgrounds contribute to this in any way," explained State Duma Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy.
Russia's Chief Mufti, Talgat Safa Tadzhuddin, while acknowledging potential concerns among residents, generally supported the initiative and proposed creating small prayer rooms for Muslims in public places, including shopping centers and supermarkets.
