MEPs sponsor declaration on respect for religious expression

3.03.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 1st Feb 2005

A cross-party group of MEPs is tabling a 'Written Declaration' in the European Parliament* calling for respect for religious rights and freedoms in France and throughout the EU, including the right to wear the Muslim hijab, Sikh turban, Jewish skullcap and Christian cross in state establishments.

The MEPs believe a ban on demonstration of personal faith to be an infringement of human rights, in particular rights guaranteed in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The group comprises London MEPs Sarah Ludford (Liberal Democrat) and Claude Moraes (Labour), Green MEP for the South-East Caroline Lucas, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Phillip Bushill-Matthews and French Green MEP Alain Liptiez.

Making specific reference to the French ban on 'conspicuous religious symbols' in schools, the declaration asks the French government to rethink its ban, consider options for the integration of religious minorities and calls on all Member States to permit expressions of faith.

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, who is Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, said:

"Bans like the French one in the name of secularism may be well-intentioned, but they operate in an authoritarian manner, failing to acknowledge individual preferences and the diversity in Europe's population."

"The French tradition of assimilation thorough non-recognition of difference can be contrasted with the British tradition of pluralism. The whole of Europe is searching for a model of integration that works, but we suggest that the starting-point must be respect for freedom of expression."

A press conference to mark the launch of the declaration and the campaign to collect signatures will be held in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, on 23rd February.

*Note: A written declaration in the European Parliament is similar to an 'early day motion' at Westminster, a means for MEPs to make a political statement on a particular issue. To become a resolution debated in the Parliament, at least half of the MEPs must sign within 3 months, otherwise the Written Declaration lapses.