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Assembly for the
Protection of
Hijab
124 Harrowdene Rd, London HA0 2JF
Tel. +44 (0)2089089109
Fax: +44 (0) 2089089108
www.prohijab.net
E-mail: info@prohijab.net
23rd February 05
Press Release
Press conference in the European Parliament to support
Written Declaration Calling for Freedom of Religious
Expression
Assembly for the Protection of Hijab (Protect Hijab) was proud
to take part in organising the Press Conference held on
Wednesday 23rd February 2005, at the European Parliament in
Strasbourg. Hosted by Caroline Lucas MEP and Baroness Sarah
Ludford MEP, the Press Conference was the first step in this
campaign in support of the Written Declaration presented
before the European Parliament on Monday 21st February 2004.
The Panel included 7 speakers; Green MEP for the South-East
Caroline Lucas, London MEPs Sarah Ludford, (Liberal Democrat),
Claude Moraes (Labour), Conservative MEP for the West Midlands
Philip Bushill-Matthews and French Green MEP Alain Lipietz,
in addition to Mrs Nora Tafiroult on behalf of Protect Hijab
and Mrs Nadia Karmous on behalf of Federation of Islamic
Organisations in Europe (FIOE). Speakers agreed that religious
intolerance is not going to be accepted. The strong
representation of the British MEPs from main political parties
indicated Britain’s stand point firmly.
Caroline Lucas MEP, said: "The ban violates the human rights
of free expression and freedom to practice religion,
undermines multiculturalism and is likely to create tension
and racist attacks.”
Sarah Ludford, European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal
Democrats said:
"Blanket national bans like the French one instituted in the
name of secularism may be well-intentioned, but they fail to
acknowledge individual identity and the diversity of Europe's
population. It would be unhelpful if similar action spread
across the EU."
The pressure is now on to reach the 310 signature target for
the Written Declaration to be adopted by the European
Parliament. The Protect-Hijab website www.prohijab.net has
been dedicated to the campaign, and contains contact details
of all MEPs, up to date list of signatures, model letters and
suggestions on how to campaign. “Each one of us is striving
for one of the greatest causes of modern times; that is to
preserve freedom of religious thought, expression and value.
We urge everyone to visit the web-site and use the information
provided to join and support our campaign” stated Rajnaara
Akhtar of Protect Hijab.
For further details, please contact:
For further
information please contact media liaison officers:
07786257120
or 07947787222, or write to
info@prohijab.net
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