The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Austria’s newly implemented ban on Islamic headscarves, or hijab, for students under 14 as a “fascist and bigoted” step backward for religious rights in Europe.
The law, passed in December with support from Austria’s far-right Freedom Party and implemented as schools reopen across the country, faces growing backlash from civil rights advocates, students, and religious organizations.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“This fascist legislation is a step backward from religious rights in Europe and a transparently bigoted attack on the Austrian Muslim community. This also sets a dangerous precedent for religious minorities across Europe. True freedom means allowing individuals and families to practice their faith without fear of state enforcement or government penalties. We stand in solidarity with Austrian Muslims as they pursue legal challenges to this unjust and discriminatory policy.”
CAIR urged European human rights institutions to hold Austria accountable to international standards of religious liberty and non-discrimination.
Yesterday, CAIR expressed solidarity with the Belgian Muslim community after neo-Nazi vandals reportedly targeted the Tawfieq Mosque in Schelle, Belgium.
CAIR has previously condemned a number of similar Islamophobic incidents in Europe. Last year, CAIR said that Islamophobia was “spinning out of control” in Europe after a Muslim woman was murdered in Germany and a mosque was burned during anti-immigrant riots in Spain.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Neo-Nazi, Racist Vandalism Targeting Mosques in Sweden and UK
CAIR Condemns Attempted Arson of Muslim Prayer Room in France
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]