Muslim veil news

Muslim veil news


Belgium

Following a court decision to allow a teacher to teach while wearing a headscarf, Francophone parties are pushing for a general ban on religious symbols in schools. Education Minister Marie-Dominique Simonet (Christian Democrats) says the neutrality principle is 'fundamental' in the public educational system. PS (Socialists) and MR (Reformist Movement) also support the ban.



United Kingdom


Philip Hollobone, Conservative MP for Kettering, called for a burka ban, saying:


"This is Britain. We are not a Muslim country. Covering your face in public is strange, and to many people both intimidating and offensive. I seriously think that a ban on wearing the burka in public should be considered."


"It goes against the British way of life. If we all went around wearing burkas our country would be a very sad place."



France


French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the bill to ban the full veil will be introduced in the spring.


"A full veil that hides the whole face runs contrary to our idea of free and open social interaction. In a democracy, we don’t live behind a mask. That is why we have decided, with the president to legislate in the spring, " Fillon said.


"All religions deserve respect, but what should not be respected is aggressive proselytizing, and withdrawing into one’s community.”