Netherlands: Bill Introduced to Stop Islamic Call to Prayer

Two Dutch politicians from two separate parties are introducing a bill to crack down on Islamic calls to prayer over amplified speakers in cities after receiving numerous complaints from residents.

The article below from the Dutch outlet CVandaag is translated by Fousesquawk.

SGP and JA21 want an end to amplified Islamic call to prayer

News- 4 October 2026

“I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.” This resounds in greater volume in Arabic over more and more Dutch streets. The SGP and JA21 (parties) consider it undesirable that Islam thus, claims a very dominant place in the public space over other religions. In order to end this preferred position, they are sending a bill today to the 2nd Chamber (House of Representatives). 

The legislative proposal from the SGP and JA21 has been amended and clarified after advice from the Council of State. The initiative introduces a general ban on amplified calls to prayer from fixed locations. To limit nuisance, some municipalities have placed limitations on so-called calls to prayer.

Andre Flach (SGP) :”There are more and more imams, who, from minarets, are sending their Islamic messages out over the streets with great volume. Other religions do not do that. I have never seen a preacher preaching from a church tower with a megaphone. Why should we give Islam such a dominant, privileged position? This must stop.”

Joost Eerdmans (JA21) “We want to put an end to the loud calls to prayer with a fixed frequency. They cause alienation and unease with the local residents in their own neighborhood. Now there are at least 40 municipalities that have to deal with amplified calls to prayer. The number of mosques grows; thus, the problems grow as well.  

Both parties find it indefensible that Islam in the Netherlands, over the years, on several fronts, has received a preferential position. “We see that not only with calls to prayer, but also with the many police-iftars. It is important that (Justice and Security) Minister (David) Van Weel has reversed his position on that point,” both initiative-proposers believe. “The preference of Islam over other religions leads to much misunderstanding.” 

* Translator’s note

SGP: Staatkundig Gereformeerdig Partij (Reformed Political Party)

JA21 Conservatieve Liberalen (Conservative Liberals )