The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a ban on hijab, or Islamic head scarves, in educational institutions in the Belgian province of East Flanders.
The ban, which prohibits the wearing of items such as headscarves during educational activities, comes into effect September 1.
Vlaams Belang, a far-right Belgian political party that has been accused of having a racist, anti-immigrant platform, reportedly supported the ban. Filip Dewinter, one of the party’s leading members, once said women wearing the hijab have “effectively signed their contract for deportation.”
SEE: Muslim girls scramble for school places after East Flemish headscarf ban
“Anti-immigrant and racist forces worldwide unfortunately target hijab as a means to promote their bigoted agendas,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “People of all backgrounds should be allowed to dress as they please based on the dictates of their conscience and the principles of their faith.”
Earlier this year, CAIR condemned a new effort by the government of Tajikistan to impose “guidelines” for the attire of Muslim women.
CAIR also called on French lawmakers to reject proposed legislation that would ban the wearing of religiously-mandated attire in sports.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com