An administrative court banned the construction of nightclubs and “party halls” in close proximity to churches, Ahram Online reported. “In its ruling, the court argued that ‘Egypt was the cradle of religion… and any act that affects the sanctity of religious practices should be banned.’ The court added that such ‘sanctity’ is present in mosques as well as churches, maintaining that they are both houses of worship that enjoy the same protection under the constitution and the law.” A 1950s decision barred the building of “any such venues” near places of worship.