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Diana tells Chirac: 'Headscarf ban denies human rights'
February 10, 2004 12:00 AM
Liberal Democrat Euro MP Diana Wallis has written to French President Jacques Chirac ahead of a critical vote on the banning the Islamic headscarf expressing her deep concern about the implications of such a ban on the religious freedom of the French population.
The French parliament is due to vote today on a new law on secularity, banning the Islamic headscarf and all other overt religious symbols from state schools.
Diana Wallis MEP said in Strasbourg, "I am very concerned about this proposed ban as it would clearly contradict the universally recognised freedom of religion; enshrined in both the Universal Declaration and the European Convention on Human Rights."
She went on to say, "The proposed ban would not facilitate integration of different faith communities into the French society. In fact, I believe such a ban, if approved, would inflame further division and intolerance and may encourage racism that can only benefit the extremists. This is a view shared by Islamic and Human Rights groups across the region."
"In a letter in French I have called on President Chirac to drop the vote on the proposed Bill. I am extremely concerned of the implications of such a law on community relations in France."
Diana's letter to Jacques Chirac in full:
Dear Sir
RE: Proposed Legislation to Ban All Conspicuous Religious Symbols
I refer to the bill before the French parliament to ban all conspicuous religious symbols from public institutions in France. I am deeply concerned about the implications of such a ban on the religious freedom of the French population as it would clearly contradict the universally recognised freedom of religion; enshrined in both the Universal Declaration and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The proposed ban would not facilitate integration of different faith communities into the French society. In fact, I believe such a ban, if approved, would inflame further division and intolerance and may encourage racism that can only benefit the extremists.
I am extremely concerned of the implications of such a law on community relations in France.
I urge you to make a stand on the 10th of February for human rights and freedom of religion and drop the proposed legislation.
Yours sincerely
Diana Wallis MEP
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