Belgian Muslims criticise Islamic headscarf ban

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HEADSCARF BAN: Belgian Muslims criticise ban now operating in 700 schools. (Getty Images)

The Muslim Executive of Belgium, the main representative body of the Muslim community there, has expressed "great regret" over a recent decision by school authorities in the Flanders region to ban the wearing of the headscarf in 700 Flemish (Dutch speaking) schools.

In a statement it criticised the "unilateral" way in which the decision was taken noting that some people are already calling into question the social and legal legitimacy of the decision, KUNA reported.

The executive called on all parties concerned to find a solution to the problem and encouraged members of Belgium’s Muslim community to pursue democratic ways to express their displeasure about the issue.

The headscarf ban had led to demonstrations in the city of Antwerp, with one Muslim leader even calling for separate schools for Muslim children in the Flanders region in northern Belgium.

The school authorities in Flanders have countered that school girls are being forced by their parents to cover their heads.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Flawed Flanders
Posted by Jane, Manama on Sunday 27 September 2009 at 15:21 UAE time

Sure, nobody should ever stop one wearing whatever one believes in and I suppose that includes wearing nothing at all if you so prefer, as offensive as it would be to many. Unfortunately, as much as any Muslim argues to the contrary they really have no religious choice at all! Somehow the mass majority fail to realize or accept this ever! Some moderates look bewildered when this fact is spelled out in a discussion, but most are offended to the Nth degree at one's audacity to question anything Islamic.
So really, the bottom line is; issues like the veil or arranged marriages (not only Islamic) and even sexual mutilation should generate debate on both sides. Unfortunately, it never is a two sided view or it would never be an issue in the first place!

Response to Ignatius
Posted by Peace on Sunday 27 September 2009 at 10:19 UAE time


The people in hell fire are very large compared to the people in Heaven. Hope that answers your question.

Also, you have the freedom to choose what you want to do in life. What I meant was let people do what they want to do in life. If they want to wear a headscarf, let them do so. If they dont want to wear one, let them also live. Live and let live.

Lets not count the number who wears one and doesn't wear. Go on with your life and let others go on with theirs.

Lets go in peace :-)

Head Scarves
Posted by Ignatius Paul Freely, Burgos, Spain on Sunday 27 September 2009 at 09:22 UAE time


So, just to understand correctly, those Muslim women who don't wear heanscarves are then breaking the rules of God? That pretty much chastises a very high percentage of Muslim women who don't wear headscarves. Interesting.

Live and Let Live
Posted by Peace on Wednesday 23 September 2009 at 11:21 UAE time


I really wish if people respected each other, irrespective of the religion that they belong to. Why do people interfere in other religions' practices and beliefs? As long as no harm is done, we needn't ask why one is wearing a scarf or why one is not wearing one.

Lets make this world a better place. Because God has laid some rules for Muslims. Let them follow it. Pls dont tell them to break rules and break laws.

We go in peace.

Regards,
Asif

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