Belgian imams can now receive salaries from abroad
BRUSSELS (AA) – The Belgian Supreme Court has ruled that imams of mosques in the country’s Flemish region can receive salaries from abroad.
In October 2021, the Flemish region banned direct or indirect support or funding of places of worship from abroad.
It also banned the payment of salaries to imams from funds they receive from abroad.
The Belgian Islamic Coordination Council, represented by several local Muslim groups, challenged the decree before the Constitutional Court.
The court on Thursday annulled some provisions of the decree because they violate religious freedom.
The court rejected the argument that foreign funding and support would undermine the independence of local religious communities.
The court ruled that this constituted a “disproportionate interference with religious freedom.”
The Islamic Council expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
In Belgium, there have been problems with the recognition of mosques affiliated with the Turkish-based Belgian Diyanet (religious affairs) foundation and with the payment of salaries to imams.
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