Brussels: The Belgian city of Ghent has scrapped its ban on civil servants wearing headscarves after its Socialist and Green majority overturned a measure imposed in 2007 when centre-right parties dominated the city council.
More than 10,000 adult citizens, or about five times the number required to call the vote, had signed a petition calling for the prohibition to be lifted.
After a four-hour debate lasting almost until midnight on Monday, 29 of the city council's 51 members voted to rescind the ban on the wearing of religious or political symbols for city officials dealing with the public.
In practice the ban prevented Muslim women in headscarves from sitting at public counters in city offices.
"This is a historic turning point for ethnic and cultural minorities," said Naima Charkaoui, director of Forum of Minorities, an umbrella group that coordinated the citizen action. "Migrant populations are gaining political voice."
Several Belgian cities have similar bans. Two years ago, Belgium banned wearing face-covering veils for anyone in public.
Neighbouring France, with the largest Muslim population in western Europe, has outlawed wearing religious symbols such as Islamic headscarves in schools.
More than 10,000 adult citizens, or about five times the number required to call the vote, had signed a petition calling for the prohibition to be lifted.
After a four-hour debate lasting almost until midnight on Monday, 29 of the city council's 51 members voted to rescind the ban on the wearing of religious or political symbols for city officials dealing with the public.
"This is a historic turning point for ethnic and cultural minorities," said Naima Charkaoui, director of Forum of Minorities, an umbrella group that coordinated the citizen action. "Migrant populations are gaining political voice."
Advertisement
Neighbouring France, with the largest Muslim population in western Europe, has outlawed wearing religious symbols such as Islamic headscarves in schools.
Advertisement
© Thomson Reuters 2013
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Google Wins Challenge Against Brussels' $1.66 Billion Antitrust Fine "I'm A Rapist, She Did Not Deserve This": Man Who Let 50 Men Rape His Wife French Authorities Confirm 8 Migrants Died In Channel Crossing Attempt One Nation, One Election Cleared By Cabinet, Congress Says "Not Practical" Explained: How Pagers Turned Bombs And Why Israel Is Being Blamed What Is A Pager And Why Hezbollah Still Relies On This Outdated Device What Pager Attack On Hezbollah Could Mean For Volatile Middle-East Massive Asteroid's Near-Earth Approach In 2029. But There's A Bigger Danger Bruised By Election Loss, Justin Trudeau Shows No Sign Of Stepping Down Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.