No Ban on Hijab in German Constitution: Analyst

Referring to the current disputes in Germany over the issue of hijab (mandatory Islamic covering outfit worn by women including headscarves) Mustafa Yuldash said, “Given the federal nature of the government in Germany, every state has its own particular laws and regulations. The states are authorized to make their own decisions on different issues including the hijab.”

The Chairman of the Islamic Center of Hamburg said politicians from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party of Germany mistakenly believe that the Islamic hijab is used as a symbol for political activities. He pointed out that after the events of September 11th, citing Muslim groups as the culprits behind terrorist acts, a number of countries have adopted a different attitude toward Islam. Now the hijab, a symbol of Islam, has become the subject of dispute, Yuldash explained.

Yuldash criticized the CDU Party of Germany for using the argument that the Islamic hijab belongs to the past. The chairman stressed that nothing could be farther from the truth, reiterating that its current use does not negate personal freedom.

The Islamic Center of Hamburg’s Chairman said it was disappointing that in Germany, Jewish and Christian religions garner more understanding from party officials.

RA/DWN/MS

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MNA