News and Analysis on Islam in Europe and North America
France is known for its strict separation of religion and state, encapsulated in the principle of laïcité. This principle sets the foundation for public schools, which are prohibited from offering religious education or endorsing any religion. To impart religious education, private schools have been established in the country. France has a tradition of Catholic, Protestant
On 9th June 2024, after the sweeping victory of the National Rally ( far right) party to the European elections, President Macron decided to dissolve to the Assemblée National. Macron called his snap decision “an act of confidence”, saying he had faith “in the capacity of the French people to make the best choice for
On 29th July, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine were fatally stabbed while attending a dance class in Southport. The horrifying incident sparked the worst unrest in UK in a decade. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg55we5n3xo) Misinformation spread that the attack was conducted by a 17-year-old Muslim immigrant, who fled to UK
The controversial far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders has achieved a historic victory as his Freedom Party (PVV) won the most parliamentary seats in The Netherlands’ general elections held on November 23rd, 2023.1. This dramatic result demonstrates rising anti-immigration and Eurosceptic populism that could install Wilders as the nation’s first far-right Prime Minister Wilders Party for
France’s Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera announced on 3rd September 2023 on France 3 that athletes representing France will be barred from wearing hijabs or other religious symbols while competing at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.1 The minister stated that the ban upholds France’s principle of “strict secularism” or “la laïcité,” in sports and