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 Assembly
for the
Protection of
Hijab
124 Harrowdene Rd, London HA0 2JF
Tel: 0044 (0) 208 908 9109
Fax: 0044 (0) 208 908 9108
www.prohijab.net
E-mail:
info@prohijab.net
Press Release
Shabina Begum wins Jilbab Case
Assembly for the Protection of Hijab
(Protect Hijab) was delighted that today 16 year
old Shabina Begum has won her High Court appeal against Denbigh High
School in
Luton. The teenager was excluded from classes in 2002, when she wore
the Jilbab (Islamic over dress) to school. Today the decision to rule
in favour of Ms Begum proves that Britain's legislative system is a
shining example for religious tolerance in Europe. Religious practices
need to be recognised in all aspects of life including school uniform
policy.
Last June the High Court ruled that the school had acted fairly by
excluding Ms Begum, and that their uniform policy had taken sufficient
account of her Religious requirements by allowing the Shalwar Kameez
(loose top and trousers) and headscarf to be incorporated into the
uniform. Ms Begum, an outstanding student, was excluded for not
adhering to this policy, when she wore the Jilbab to school.
Many schools have already been able to incorporate the Jilbab into
school uniform, parents and heads of schools in the London Borough of
Tower Hamlets recently held community dialogue meetings to discuss the
issue of the Jilbab in uniform and the schools added the Jilbab to the
Muslim uniform policy.
Head of Media for Protect Hijab, Nabila Ferhat said: "This is a great
day for communities integration across Britain. We must work together
with schools to resolve such issues and not allow such matters to
reach court on the first place. Britain has set the standard for
cultural and religious diversity in practice. Protect Hijab
supports the efforts of religious communities to work together with
schools on practical measures to facilitate all forms of Hijab in
their uniform policies."
Protect Hijab would also like to acknowledge the contributions of
Cherie Booth, Caroline Lucas and MEPs who have supported this issue.
"We will not rest until Hijab bans are lifted wherever they may be in
place" added Abeer Pharaon, Co-ordinator of Protect Hijab.
[END]
For further information write to
info@prohijab.net
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07786257120 or 07947787222
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