Gender Issues and the Hijab/Burqa
EU court backs French hijab ban
Europe’s top human rights court held the 2004 French ban on wearing the hijab in public schools and government offices. Two French Muslim girls, 11 and 12 who had been expelled from school in 1999 launched the complaint, claiming their school violated their freedom of religion and their right to an education. The European Court…
84 calls to honor violence hotline in Amsterdam this year
The municipality of Amsterdam announced that the local honor murder hotline received 84 calls this year, to date. The hotline, which has been in existence since the beginning of 2008, received calls from victims and social workers. Of the 84 calls received, 45% involved issues of physical violence, and 85% of the victims were women….
Niqab ban extended to colleges
Dutch Education Minister Ronald Plasterk confirmed extending a proposed ban on the face veil – also known as the niqab – from schools and universities, and the ban applying to students, teachers, and service providers. “It will forbid any kind of garment that covers the face. The intention is to ensure that all people who…
Religious online matchmaking sites boom in Germany
Berlin – Nowhere in Europe do Christian, Jewish and Islamic- linked online matchmaking sites flourish as much as in Germany, where people are increasingly turning to the internet for romance. “For most people the Web is as much a part of life as shopping,” says Friedhelm Hensen, Jr., who launched his SingleChrist.de website in 2007….
Dutch artists integrate veil debate in artworks
A Dutch artist and fashion designer plan to discuss the strong emotional sentiments concerning Muslim headwear at an event at the Van Abbe Museum in Eindhoven on November 23, 2008. The two plan to present their work in order to integrate their opinions about the burqa and the hijab or headscarf. The strong feelings that…