‘Separation of religion and state’ used on both sides of the debate on the lifting of the ban allowing Ilan Omar to wear hijab in Congress

Ilhan Omar has become the first person to wear a religious head covering in Congress at her swearing in ceremony. In November,Democrats announced a proposal, co-authored by Omar, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jim McGovern, to end a rule that bans headwear on the House Floor. It is a 181 year rule, which…

Share Button
Read More

Boris Johnson’s comments on the burqa: Is Islamophobia being used for political gain in the British Conservative Party?

2018 has seen repeated calls for the Conservative party to launch an official inquiry into Islamophobia within its ranks to ensure that it does not accommodate racism and bigotry. Do Boris Johnson’s recent comments on the burqa reveal a culture of using Islamophobia for political gain in the party?

Share Button
Read More

Gap campaign featuring girl in hijab causes mixed reactions in France

An American advertisement featuring a Muslim girl in a hijab has prompted an outcry in France. The campaign was shot in New York but published by Gap in French on social media. On YouTube, the company released a 15-second video that received more than 1 million views. But the ad garnered a mixed response from…

Share Button
Read More

Denmark’s burqa ban is a repeat of so many before it. Will it backfire in the same way?

The recent burqa ban introduced in Denmark is the latest manifestation of a recurring pattern of burqa bans in Europe. These bans tend to end up backfiring, so will Denmark’s end up doing the same?

Share Button
Read More

80% of U.S. Muslims say they observe Ramadan by fasting, Pew Research Center survey shows

A 2017 Pew Research Center survey reveals that 80% of U.S. Muslims say they observe Ramadan by fasting, including a large share of those who do not consider religion very significant in their lives.

Share Button
Read More