A Muslim woman wearing the niqab (veil which covers the body and leaves only a small strip for the eyes). Photo: Fred Dufour / AFP / Lehtikuva
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A coalition of 40 Finnish Muslim organisations has issued a joint statement rejecting proposals to ban face-covering religious garments in schools and public spaces.
The statement, dated 24 September and signed by groups including Finland’s Muslim Forum and Federation of Islamic Organizations in Finland, described the proposals as political theatre that risks undermining religious freedom and equality.
The organisations said the debate surrounding the niqab is driven by populist motives rather than real social concerns.
“This is a classic example of populism, targeting a marginal issue that barely exists in Finnish society,” the signatories wrote.
They criticised politicians for focusing on “symbolic restrictions” while schools face what they described as serious and ongoing problems, including shortages of staff and re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
