A girl was unlawfully excluded from school for wearing a traditional Muslim gown, Appeal Court judges have ruled. Lord Justice Brooke said Denbigh High School in Luton, Beds, denied Shabina Begum, 16 - now at another school - the right to manifest her religion. He called for more guidance for schools on complying with the Human Rights Act. Miss Begum called the ruling a victory for Muslims who wanted to preserve their identity and values". The school said it had lost on a technicality. Miss Begum, whose parents are both dead, had worn a regulation shalwar kameez (trousers and tunic) until September 2002 when she informed the school authorities she intended to wear a full-length gown called a jilbab.
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The ruling, which has major implications for multi-faith schools across the country, has been welcomed by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) as a "common-sense approach". MCB Secretary-General Iqbal Sacranie said: "This is a very important ruling on the issue of personal freedoms. The British Muslim community is a diverse community in terms of the interpretation and understanding of their faith and its practice. "Within this broad spectrum those that believe and choose to wear the jilbab and consider it to be part of their faith requirement for modest attire should be respected."
Saying nothing of the girls who will now be forced to wear this cloak in order that they won't appear immodest to their family and peers. Another step on the path to Dhimmitude. |