Salam Alaykum,
This is the Irish Hijab Campaigns press release,
The Irish Hijab Campaign welcomes the recommendations in that they acknowledge the importance of recognising the needs of minority groups as well as seeking their consultation on issues such as uniform. We would have liked to have seen more explicit legislation, that would have seen the hijab protected, but are hopeful that the suggestion for more inclusion will put a stop to the disparity in practice across the country.
We are however concerned with the less than favourable statement regarding niqab as it is not currently an issue in state schools and can only further objectify an already marginalised group. We are mindful of the attacks Muslim women endured following Jack Straw’s irresponsible comments on the niqab and would have hoped the Irish government might have considered more carefully how such views shape the treatment of Muslim women in the wider community.
Wasalam Sis Lorraine
