Dutch Muslims condemn burqa ban
By Kate Michael,WNS Netherlands Correspondent
AMSTERDAM - Muslims in the Netherlands have criticised a government proposal to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa or veil in public places. Dutch Muslim groups say a ban would make the country's one million Muslims feel victimised and alienated. The Dutch cabinet said burqas - a full body covering that also obscures the face - disturb public order and safety. The decision comes days ahead of elections which the ruling centre-right coalition is expected to win. The proposed ban would apply to wearing the burqa in the street, and in trains, schools, buses and law courts in the Netherlands.
Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk, who is known for her tough policies, said it was important that all people in the Netherlands were able to see and identify each other clearly to promote integration and tolerance. Last year a majority of MPs in the Dutch parliament said they were in favour of a ban. An estimated 6% of 16 million people living in the Netherlands are Muslims. But there are thought to be fewer than 100 women who choose to wear the burqa, a traditional Islamic form of dress. The latest move came after an expert committee judged that it would not contravene Dutch law. Other forms of face coverings, such as veils and crash helmets with visors that obscure the face, would also be covered by a legal ban.
Critics of the proposed ban say it would violate civil rights. The main Muslim organisation in the Netherlands, CMO, said the plan was an "over-reaction to a very marginal problem", the Associated Press reported. Naima Azough, an MP with the opposition Green party who is also Muslim, said the ban was not in keeping with the country's history of tolerance and said the Dutch government was playing on people's fears of Islamic extremism to win votes.
posted by wnsworld @ 9:24 AM
1 Comments:
Well its about religion, nothing to say on it.
just landed on your blog.
feel free to comment on mine
Post a Comment
<< Home