South Africa’s first gay-friendly mosque, which also allows women to lead prayers, has been closed indefinitely, a local official has told reporters.

A City of Cape Town Councillor says the newly-established Open Mosque had violated municipal by-laws by not having any parking spaces.

The mosque officially opened its doors on Friday despite criticism from members of the local Muslim community.

Founder Taj Hargey said the mosque would help counter radicalism.

“We are opening the mosque for open-minded people, not closed-minded people,” he said ahead of the launch.