(edit title) Probe into school's alleged... ...Islamic veil discrimination Options

[The Local]

The Swedish Equality Ombudsman (Diskrimineringsombudsmannen - DO) has launched a probe into a case of alleged discrimination at an adult education centre in Stockholm. Two women claim they were not allowed to attend school because they wear veils that only show the area around the eyes.

The Ombudsman has now put forth several questions to the City of Stockholm regarding alleged discrimination at Västerort adult education centre (Västerorts vuxengymnasium) regarding the motivation behind the institution's policy prohibiting burqas and other veils.

The women both submitted complaints in January 2009 to DO about Västerorts Vuxengymnasium for ethnic and religious discrimination.

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[ppk]

Why religious freedom would have to be one way only ?
What if a collectivity think that a niquab is against the will of God -- or even human common sense?
When I'm not happy somewere because of my difference, I change myself or I get out. That it !
Respect of the values and cultur of a community is essential to protect each cultur.
Each cultur have the right to prosper on its way, that the big idea behind the nations.

[JethroGreenmantle]

As a teacher, I would find it very difficult to accept a student who concealed her (or his) face from me. If it is not illegal, then I think it should be. In a liberal society, a conflict between liberal ethics and religious customs should never result in defeat for liberal ethics. (I am using liberal in the correct European sense not the illiberal American sense, of course!)

[ukgal28]

there has to be an element of right to choose. Muslim women have to cover themselves for their religion and the extent of how much they cover beyond hijab is then personal/cultural/family choice. Surely if Sweden has such open borders for other nationalities, they have to also take into account that these nationalities will bring their culture with them. If Sweden cannot accept muslims as they are, are these people then expected to start to follow a western way of life and a different religion just so teachers are happy with all the students in the class?

[Kemi]

Religious freedom and respecting different cultures are highly over rated. Not all cultures are equally good in every aspect. How about placing facts and reasoning above believes and habits?

[magic1964]

I wonder how would those girls react if I was sitting next to them naked because I´m naturist...

[tigger007]

it's a prime example of letting nonchristians in a christian state,it's like oil and water it don't mix. why would a nonchristian move to a christian state knowing that some of their beliefs will be questioned? everybody wants to talk about freedom of religion which is cool,but u need to be around your own kind to express this belief.when people move to a christian state they must obey the christian laws of that state and the christian state should tell these people to change their religion,in order to live in the state. some people are not so LIBERAL(what every that means!!) when it comes to nonchristians living or working around them.this freedom of religion really needs to be looked at more closely and revised. sorry for my comment i'm looking at it in a illiberal American sense!!

[Norum]

Agree with the school's decision. Right call. Other cultures have to adjust to the way things are being run in here and not forcing their beliefs and ways of life onto us.
Good call.

[Brtahan]

i like your comment magic 1964:) hahaha , as in sweden its democratic country the majority decides whats best for everything. i understand we should respect all cultures. but its up to the education ministry to decide.
my personal opinion they should not allow any one either naked or fully covered like niqab. they should dress decently thats it.

[tin tin]

We all have our different and personal opinions about how we percieve someone wearing a particular head garment, and that is perfectly fine everyone has a right to express themselves. Although to tell someone they can not attend a school or get a job i feel is morally wrong and unacceptable. No one has the position or the authority to tell a person you cannot do this because of the way you look, or because of what you believe or the colour of your skin. Where the hell are we living.. what century !!!

[Nutcracker]

To unveil the facts in Islam's own 'holy' text: Hadith Bukhari, Vol 1, Bk 4, Nos 148 & 149 & Hadith Muslim Bk 026, Nos 5395 & 5397: Mohamed permitted his 'wives' to go out of their house at night "to answer the call of nature"; these women were seen doing so by Mo's men who asked Mo to order them to cover themselves; Mo "revealed" the verses calling for their veiling. Also, it prevented "good and bad men from talking to them". This Moslem woman is trying to force a non-Moslem, Western society to accommodate with, and eventually acquiesce to Islam & its Sharia (inequality between Moslems, non-Moslems, male, female, free man & slave). She should be ordered to uncover and join the Western world since she appears to want a Western education.

[masyed]

Freedom of expression
" Gay parade is allowed "

but if someone tries to veil itself it is prohibited
May be this is modernism ?

[Greg in Canada]

It's the responsibility of immigrants to adapt to the mainstream culture, not the other way around. Personally, I support the school decision.

[La Figaro]

Nutcracker, excellent viewpoint and insight.
The niqab is more of a cultural thing of many centuries ago and clothing of those days had a lot to do with the weather, sand storms etc. One can approach this from various viewpoints and sadly, I feel the niqab question will be defeated in most of them.

[Kaethar]

I hope the niqab along with the burka gets banned soon. This has nothing to do with freedom of choice. There are reasons as to why you're not allowed to wear masks in public. Besides security issues face-coverings also dehumanise you. I refuse to speak to someone who refuses to show their face. Head-scarves are perfectly acceptable in Islam. It's time to put an end to exceptions given to this minority of religious nutters who choose to hide their faces. -.-