Sh ould we ban the burqas? Controversies of traditional Muslim women clothing in European countries Michaela Poldová Faculty of Social Sciences Charles University

Outline Muslim traditional clothing Why is it a problem in Europe Approaches towards this issue Arguments for banning it Arguments against the ban

Types of Muslim traditional women clothes < Hijab Chador >

Types of Muslim traditional women clothes Nikab

Types of Muslim traditional women clothes Burqa

Controversy in Europe Problem emerges with immigration of Muslims to Europe Perceived as a symbol of women oppression Should they wear it in public? Should they wear it in their jobs? What about public officers, nurses, teachers etc.? Should we ban it by law?

European approaches the best known case is the French ban – since 2011 it is prohibited to wear anything covering the face in public similar law in Belgium covering of the face banned specifically in schools in Denmark, the Netherlands, some German federal countries in Italy and some Swiss cantons it is prohibited to wear clothes which „don‘t allow identification“ in public in United Kingdom is this issue in competence of the schools in general, all these laws against burqas and nikabs, usually do not affect wearing of hijabs

Czech case no specific legislation about covering in public, mainly addressed in the specific context of education system or health care 2014: discussion about two Muslim girls expelled from school for wearing a hijab in the same year, the issue of nurses and doctors with head cover was discussed 2013: kindergarten teacher converted to Islam, wears hijab at work

Arguments for banning European states are secular Ban upholds equal treatment, fight against religion-based discrimination Covering as a symbol of oppression of women (they are only pressured by society to wear it) Security: impossibility of personal identification is a potential threat Public support

Arguments against the ban Freedom of religion and expression Covering does not harm others Part of Muslim cultural identity Unfair treating of religions: no ban on Jewish caps, Christian nuns also wear covering clothes etc. Ban on Muslim clothes only is an act of discrimination Many Muslim women actually choose to wear it (they feel protected, humble according to God)

Conclusion Introduced types of Muslim clothes Briefly explained approaches towards the issue Presented arguments of both sides Not going to make any final decision, matter of personal values and opinion Now everyone can decide and discuss

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