Copenhagen officials OK long-delayed plans for grand mosque in Danish capital

Copenhagen, Denmark - Denmark's Muslim Council says it is trying to raise funds to build Copenhagen's first purpose-built mosque after the project was given the green light.

The City Council approved the plans last week, overruling objections by the anti-immigration Danish People's Party.

Denmark's Muslim Council said it's trying to raise up to US$36.56 million for the Sunni mosque.

Since the 1970s, Muslim immigrants have discussed building a grand mosque in the capital, but plans have been held back by disputes mainly over funding.

Now a plot of land about a half mile from City Hall Square has been designated for the project.

Muslims make up an estimated 4 percent of Denmark's 5.5 million residents.