MEP Fights Headscarf Ban

5.31.42pm GMT Wed 10th Mar 2004

Liberal Democrat Euro-MP, Bill Newton Dunn is leading a campaign against the French parliament's decision to ban headscarves and other conspicuous religious items of clothing from state schools.

The East Midlands MEP has handed in a petition of over 6,500 names to the European Parliament, calling on the French government to respect the fundamental right of freedom of religious expression.

This follows a rally held in Leicester last month, attended by hundreds of Muslims and people of other faiths, at which the petition was handed to Mr Newton Dunn. The local Muslim community has been heavily involved in collecting the signatures, with petitions distributed to local mosques.

Speaking after handing in the weighty petition, Bill Newton Dunn said:

"I am appalled at the French decision. The ban, which has now been approved by both the Lower Chamber and the Senate, violates the fundamental liberal freedoms to choose and express one's religion.

"This is a question that concerns people of all faiths. It covers not just Islamic headscarves but also Sikh Turbans, Jewish skullcaps and oversized Christian crosses. The European Union has a duty to defend the fundamental freedoms that must lie at the very heart of its societies. Too often we are concerned with Human Rights outside of the Union. We must not forget also to defend individual rights and freedoms within Member States."

Adherence to the principles of democracy and human rights are enshrined in Article 6 of the Treaty establishing the European Union, and are explicitly stated in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, as well as in the Council of Europe's legally-binding European Convention on Human Rights.