Response from Robert Evans

Thank you for your email expressing concern about the Hijab ban in France.

You mention the current Written Declaration in the European Parliament. I am happy to sign the Declaration.

As a Labour MEP representing London I welcome the cultural and religious diversity of British society, and I support the right of all people to live in accordance with their religious requirements. I am committed to protecting the right to free _expression of religion, whether this entails the wearing of the Hijab, a crucifix, a turban, or the Kippa, and will continue to oppose any measures which threaten this right.

The British government will not be seeking to adopt measures to ban the wearing of the Hijab in British schools, and is monitoring the effect that the French ban might have on British citizens and school children living in France closely. I will work towards ensuring that Muslim women and girls living in Europe maintain the right to choose whether or not to wear the Hijab, and I am following the issue as it arises in the European Parliament very closely.

When the French government made the proposal towards the end of 2003, I spoke forcefully against it in the European Parliament and wrote a number of critical articles. I also put down my own Written Declaration in May 2004. I have put below for your information some of my speech to the European Parliament in December 2003. In addition I have enclosed an article that I wrote and which appeared in Asian Voice at the end of last year.

I will continue to speak out on this issue and seek to persuade the French Government to reverse its policy.

Yours sincerely

Robert Evans MEP

Quoting by name Brent and Harrow / Hounslow and Ealing as examples of local authorities who had shown positive initiatives to integrate minority, Robert Evans MEP said the ban "will not address the challenge that France faces in integrating Muslims and other minorities into its society."

Mr Evans added that in London, " we found that the opposite policy of respect for people's differences, respect for their different religions is a much better way of incorporating minorities into society."

December 2003, Asian Voice Article

The news that the French government is considering a ban on Muslim girls wearing headscarves should be treated with dismay. From everything we have learnt, certainly in this country and from history in general, this seems to be a dangerous idea.

A state commission has proposed and President Chiriac is now considering whether or not to enforce it, that the hijab, and other conspicuous religious costumes and signs, are not appropriate wear for state schools. This would outlaw Jewish skull caps, Sikh turbans and large crosses amongst other religious items. The commission also proposes moves to prevent Muslims from refusing education and medical care on religious grounds.

France has six million Muslims, Europe's largest Islamic community and clearly sections of French society are worried about their growing influence and the effect on traditional French culture. But a clampdown on religious dress? That cannot be the answer! This sort of ban has no place in modern society.

I am amazed that the French educational commission have not looked at British examples. Our policies of peace and tolerance based on respect for all religions and their customs has brought us a multi-cultural society that works. Lots of people have worked very hard over the years in schools, Race Equality Councils and other organisations to promote tolerance. Any similar suggestion for British schools would quite rightly get short shrift.

Indeed when sacred religious customs and places of worship are challenged here, this country reacts with anger. When Jewish grave stones are vandalised or Mosques attacked, whole communities respond. The appalling attack on the Hindu Temple in Wembley at Divali provoked a conference last Sunday attended by hundreds of people. Police, politicians and devotees came together, not just to condemn the attack and the paltry sentences handed out, but to look at ways to improve security, to better educate the mindless and to try to ensure that this sort of thing does not happen again.

Of course, you cannot legislate against the minority, but you can work to improve society and make it more tolerant and understanding. That is what the British Hindu Forum is all about. Personally I wish it every success. As for the French proposals, I will point out in the European Parliament this week, what I believe to be the dangers in their plans. I hope President Chirac listens.

Robert Evans MEP
101 High Street
Feltham
Middlesex
TW13 4HG
Tel - 020 8890 1818
Fax - 020 8890 1628
Website - www.robertevansmep.net

UNITED SIKHS' response back

Dear Robert Evans MEP

It is always very heartening to receive emails of support such as yours. We are very reassured that the 'British government will not be seeking to adopt measures to ban the wearing of the Hijab in British schools, and is monitoring the effect that the French ban might have on British citizens and school children living in France closely.'

You have raised concerns about the Hijab for which there is a need for a debate. I would like to take this oportunity to add, however, that this WD is not only about the Hijab and not only about France.I would like draw your attention to the ban on the Sikh Turban, Yarmulke and Christian cross. For the record, more than 100 Sikh schoolchidren are affected by the French law and a survey conducted by UNITED SIKHS shows that 87% of those interiewed were not allowed to wear their headcovering of their choice. No one was allowed to wear the Turban.

We hope that whenever and wherever you raise the issue of religious freedom and diversity you would also raise the issue of the Turban , Yarmulke and the Christian cross.

See report_on_affect_of_law_on_french_sikh_schoolchildren.doc

We hope that whenever and wherever you raise the issue of religious freedom and diversity you would also raise the issue of the Turban , Yarmulke and the Christian cross.

Mejindarpal Kaur,
UNITED SIKHS