Britain's 2012 Olympic Bathrooms Will Accommodate Muslim Religious Rules

Britain's Olympic Delivery Authority, planning for hosting of the 2012 Olympics, wants to be welcoming to people of all cultures, faiths, ages and abilities. It is taking several steps to accommodate Muslim religious practices. According to yesterday's London Telegraph, Islamic law prohibits Muslims from facing Mecca-- the direction of prayer-- when they use the toilet. Therefore, a percentage of the general toilets available to attendees will not face Mecca. In a second move, special washing facilities will be constructed next to Muslim prayer rooms. The Telegraph says that the Olympics are not the only venue in which Britain has taken account of the direction that toilets face. Last year, the government turned the toilets in Brixton prison in London after inmates complained of having to sit sideways on them in order to comply with restrictions of religious law.