Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination

There is a serious issue under debate that threatens the freedom of every individual to dress the way that they want, the freedom of expression and the right to practise their religion.

We are currently living in a society where basic human rights are violated, and bigots are allowed to dictate what women are allowed to wear and how they should follow their religion.

Laws and policies have been passed in countries such as France, banning people from practising their faith in public. It is now illegal to distinguish yourself as a follower of a religion in schools or other various agencies. Where it is not illegal, it is still detested and many people face discrimination and racial prejudice. Many people are alienated, Muslims in particular.

These Muslims are expected to adhere to laws opposing their religion, such laws that completely contradict basic human rights. Where is this so-called "freedom" now? In such a Ð''highly advanced democratic society' why is it that people are not allowed to wear what they want?

It is appalling to see that people, Muslim women in this case, are not permitted to cover themselves as they deem appropriate and how their religion recommends. And this is in an alleged civilised society.

The victims of this furore are the Muslim women, who, ironically, never have the opportunity to voice their opinions. In such rare circumstances where this is allowed to happen, their perspectives are not seriously considered. In such atypical circumstances they are not understood, merely perceived as Islamic terrorists, Muslim fundamentalists, or in moderate situations as oppressed women hiding behind fabric.

Before objecting to a concept, it is crucial to understand the issue and upon reaching this, to give the fully justified reasons behind this objection.

The "hijab" is the common Arabic word referring to the garment used to cover a woman's hair. It is usually wrapped around the head. This act is in compliance with Islamic belief.

The "nikab" is the outer garment used to cover the face and also the entire head, with the exception of the eyes.

The purpose of these garments is to cover the body from other men (not including family or her husband). The principle of concealing beauty is simply modesty.

The hijab is obligatory on all women as it is a symbol of modesty and piety. Whereas the nikab is an optional safety precaution some women choose to take in order to protect themselves from any potential dangers they may face. For example; a man is less likely to sexually harass or rape a woman covered in this manner than a woman showing her body in a miniskirt or other immoral clothing. Therefore it is simply a preventative measure some choose in order to safeguard themselves.

Altogether, this practice is not a potential danger to any fellow citizen. It does not impose anything of any sort upon anyone else, nor does it pose a threat upon anyone else, nor does it inflict pain on anyone else.

Now, how can one justify oneself for banning this practice? On what grounds can you prohibit the practice of covering one's body and dressing modestly? As supporters of human rights how can you violate them?

The human right convention clearly states that every human has the right

"To freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion and expression,"

Religious liberty, a critical element in any civilised society, states:

"right of a person to form personal beliefs according to his/her own conscience and to give public expression to these beliefs in worship and teaching, restricted only by the requirements of public order."

I can hardly see public chaos as a result of the hijab/nikab or any sort of veil, as a matter of fact. Why is it that these policies are neglected?

Seemingly, reticence is an alien concept to many members of the society and those from a minority group who wish to practise humility are alienated and prevented from doing so because of the so-called Ð''secular' views of those who are evidently extremists themselves.

Unfortunately, there are bizarre cases, such as the one in France where head teacher Raymond, followed the national policy prohibiting female students to wear the veil, however he took it to the extreme. This policy allowed the bandanna, providing it showed the forehead and the ears. He insisted on this rule literally and also, concocting his own rule not allowing them to wear dark colours. Not only is he dictating what they should wear, but also how they should wear it-even the colours they choose to wear it in! This is absolutely ridiculous. Stopping the students from wearing dark colours,