Prevent French Anti-Hijab Laws on 3rd February 2004
Following the tremendous success of the 17th of January when thousands in
more than 35 countries heeded the Muslim Association of Britain and Muslim
Women Society's call to an International Day of Solidarity with the
Islamic
'Hijab', MAB and MWS call on everyone to show their protest once again
against the proposed Anti-Hijab laws on Tuesday the 3rd of February when
these laws will be deliberated in the French Parliament.
<http://www.mabonline.net/activities/campaigns/hijabban/index.htm>
MAB Defend The Hijab Campaign, Click
<http://www.mabonline.net/activities/campaigns/hijabban/index.htm>
Here to
find out more
Saturday the 17th of January was a day when people of all faiths, all
colours and races came together to support our basic freedom of worship,
faith and belief. People from all creeds and cultures spoke loudly against
the proposed laws which would in effect violate French Muslim women's
basic
human rights and signal a dangerous turn in favour of xenophobes, racists
and fascists throughout Europe. The Muslim Association of Britain and the
Muslim Women Society wish to express their heartfelt thanks and
gratitude to
all those who stood tall, spoke loudly and promoted Muslim women's
right to
wear the Hijab.
Indications following the 17th, show that these efforts have not been in
vain. Many French politicians are currently re-assessing their
positions in
respect to this issue and to where they may stand come the 3rd of
February.
Therefore MAB and MWS have decided to call on the world once again to
stand
against these draconian proposals turning into laws which would disaffect
millions of Muslim girls and women in schools and work-places throughout
France and other European countries. This call entails the following:
1. MAB and MWS call for pickets and demonstrations to be held in front of
French Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions around the world,
delivering messages of protest against these proposed laws and
demanding the
French Parliament block them.
2. For messages, letters, faxes and e-mails to be sent to all local
parliamentarians and politicians calling on them to contact their French
counterparts and express their objection to these proposals which defy and
breach the basic notions of secularism, upon which modern France was
founded.
3. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, which falls on the 1st of February when
hundreds of millions of Muslims will be attending Eid sermons and prayers
world-wide, we call on Islamic scholars, imams, and leaders to declare the
issue of Hijab as the main theme of the Eid sermon (Khutba),and to
call for
a total and firm support for French Muslims in their present plight.
A concerted effort can make a difference. France and its politicians must
realise that approving laws that prevent Muslim women and girls from
wearing
their Islamic Hijab, is to lose the sympathy and support of Muslims
world-wide who appreciated and admired France's brave and courageous stand
in the lead-up to the war on Iraq.
Make Tuesday the 3rd of February 2004 a day of action and protest for
freedom and human and civil rights.
Picket Outside French Embassy
Date: 3rd February 2004
Time: 11:00 - 14:00
Venue: French Embassy, 58 Knightsbridge, London, SW1
For further information please visit www.mabonline.net
<http://www.mabonline.net/>
To take part in International Hijab Campaign please contact us on:
hijab@...
Also Read:
When the veil means freedom
Natasha Walter
Tuesday January 20, 2004
<http://www.guardian.co.uk> The Guardian
Respect women's choices that are not our own, even if they include wearing
the hijab
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1126711,00.html>
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1126711,00.html
French MPs reappraise plan to outlaw veils
Jon Henley in Paris
January 20 2004
The Guardian
The French government's plan to ban Islamic veils from schools came under
sustained fire yesterday when MPs, shaken by a weekend of protests and
violence, began asking whether the move would inflame religious tensions
rather than ease them
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1126747,00.html
Muslim Association of Britain
Muslim Women Society
21st of January, 2004
The Muslim Association of Britain has local branches across the UK that
provide localities with a wide range of regular events and activities,
including study circles, talks, social gatherings and much more. Click
here
<http://www.mabonline.net/branches/index.htm> to see what is going on in
your area.
The Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
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