As the world watches European uproar over efforts to ban the niqab, Asad has quietly outlawed the niqab in Syrian universities and state-run schools.
Wed, 4 Aug 2010Syria Says ‘No’ to Traditional Muslim Face Veil in the Classroom Date:
Twenty years ago, in secular Turkey, the government banned both the niqab (the face veil worn by Muslim women that covers everything but the eyes) as well as the hijab (the headscarf that covers just the hair) in public buildings and schools.
Similar laws in Tunisia prevent women from wearing the hijab, because it conflicts with “Tunisian traditions.”
Earlier this year, an Egyptian court also upheld a ruling that allows universities to ban the face veil, especially during exams.
Now Syria has followed suit. Although Syrian legislation stops short of criminalizing the hijab, it has outlawed the niqab in private and public universities and government-run schools. In June, the Syrian government transferred primary school teachers wearing the niqab to administrative positions.
Common to Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt and Syria is the perception of a growing threat from political and extremist Islam permeating culture and government.
Turkey’s uncomfortable relationship with Islamic fundamentalism dates back to its founding as a republic in 1923. The debate over how to define Islamic modesty continues today.
http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=29605
Copying French ban on burqa would be un-British, says minister
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/18/burqa-ban-unbritish-immigration-minister
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
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