Religious Symbols Ban: France Must Avoid Human Rights Breaches

3.01.41pm GMT Tue 10th Feb 2004

In a joint letter with The Muslim Association of Britain and the Muslim Women Society Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats has called on French MPs to vote against the proposed ban on religious symbols.

Ahead of the vote today in the French Parliament she says:

"The proposed ban constitutes a breach of fundamental human rights such as freedom of religion and expression. France must not fall into this trap of breaching human rights in trying to tackle difficult problems."

"There are already too many moves in Western countries which marginalise the Muslim community. Banning the hijab (along with the Sikh turban, Jewish kippa and crucifixes) will deepen divisions and resentment, and impede the urgently needed work to integrate communities."

"Fear and discrimination must not triumph over Liberté, égalité, fraternité."

Note:

The vote is scheduled to take place soon after 2pm GMT.

The ban will apply to the wearing of all conspicuous religious symbols in schools and colleges.

Text of the joint letter -

February 2004

Dear member of French Parliament

RE: Proposed Legislation to Ban All Conspicuous Religious Symbols

We refer to the bill before the French parliament to ban all conspicuous religious symbols from public institutions in France. We the undersigned are 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, we believe such a ban, if approved, would inflame further division and intolerance and may encourage racism that can only benefit the extremists.

We call on all members of the French Parliament to vote against the proposed Bill. We are extremely concerned of the implications of such a law on community relations in France.

We, the undersigned urge you to make a stand on the 10th of February for human rights and freedom of practicing religion.

Yours sincerely

The Undersigned