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Updated at 8:40 a.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Olympics: 2012 Olympics rule: Toilets that don't face Mecca

The Associated Press

LONDON — Olympic organizers issued detailed design rules for the 2012 London games Wednesday, including a mandate that at least some toilets in the Olympic park do not face the holy Islamic city of Mecca.

Members of the Olympic Delivery Authority said they wanted the Olympic and Paralympic games to be inclusive of people with different faiths and individuals with disabilities. Other design requirements include wide paths with smooth surfaces and seats at regular intervals.

"The Olympic Park will be at the heart of the celebrations and people of all cultures, faiths and ages and disabled people will find London 2012's Olympic Park welcoming and easy to use," authority chairman John Armitt said.

The organizers sought input from a range of communities before coming up with the design requirements.

Muslims face Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, when they pray and generally do not believe they should do the same when using the toilet.