Anti-Racism Group Taking Legal Action in Headscarf Ban

September 7, 2005

Source: Expatica

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=48&story_id=23442&name=Legal+battle+over+school+ban+on+Muslim+veil

On September 7, 2005 Expatica reported, "Anti-racism movement MRAX is taking legal action in the Belgian Council of State to overturn school regulations banning the wearing of a Muslim veil. French Community Prime Minister Marie Arena approved on 26 August a regulation implemented by the state secondary schools Gilly and Vauban (in Charleroi) banning the wearing of any form of head garment. The French-speaking MRAX — which is demanding discussions about the wearing of a veil — has lodged a legal objection in the Council of State. MRAX director Didier de Laveleye said the movement wants to demand respect for religious liberty, which is guaranteed in the Belgian Constitution and international treaties. He also pointed to equality and anti-discrimination laws. The anti-racism group claims that banning girls from wearing a veil at school is xenophobic and displays cultural ignorance, newspaper 'Het Laatste Nieuws' reported on Wednesday."