Rome, Italy - Italy's interior minister has drafted new rules for public protests after a few hundred Muslims ended a rally earlier this month by praying in front of Milan's cathedral.
The Jan. 3 prayer, which came at the end of a massive pro-Palestinian rally, sparked heated debate in Italy. Muslim leaders apologized to the Archdiocese of Milan, saying they didn't mean to show disrespect.
Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, a leader of the anti-immigrant Northern League party, said Wednesday he had prepared a directive for all regional prefects.
Details haven't been released, but news reports say it is expected to prohibit rallies from being staged in front of places of worship.
Supporters say the directives are preventing provocation, not restricting religious freedom.