Madam, – The parents of the girl who has asked to wear a hijab to school say that if she and others are not allowed to do so, it “would violate a Muslim woman’s right to education” (The Irish Times, June 6th). It is implicit in this statement that they would remove her from school. This is a horrifying confirmation of the second-class citizen role adopted by some Muslim parents for their daughters, and one which should be resisted in any way possible. – Yours, etc,
MADELINE STRINGER,
Meadow Grove,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.
Madam, – Further to Ruadhan Mac Cormaic’s report of June 10th about the hijab issue, I don’t think Mr Philip Watt’s comparison with the French experience is complete.
Secularism or “laïcité” is a French constitutional principle by which the state tries to ensure an attitude of freedom, neutrality and pluralism with regard to religion.
The French legislature demonstrated great political courage and determination in defending French values in spite of criticisms of religious discrimination and racism. A law was introduced in 2004 to deal with the matter and to consolidate the constitutional principle. The law bans the wearing of all ostentatious religious symbols in school and other state facilities. A majority of people found this solution to be fair and balanced and it was supported by most Catholic, Jewish and Muslim believers – who felt it in fact protected their religious freedom – and also by non-believers. The only people who considered the law intolerant were fundamentalists of all religions.
Those who nevertheless wish to continue wearing ostentatious religious symbols at school may do so by enrolling at a privately funded school. Interestingly enough, very few choose do so.
The debate in France was very heated at the time, but four years on, the issue is absent from the headlines and clear guidelines to schools and other state facilities have ensured a relatively smooth application of the law.
Under no circumstances could a Pioneer pin, for example (which has surely become almost obsolete in post-modern Ireland!), be considered as an ostentatious religious symbol. Nor could a small Star of David, a symbol of Allah or the Buddah, a Crucifix pendant or indeed a First Communion medal.
This debate highlights Ireland’s need to reflect seriously on its values and then to defend those values rationally, vigorously and without apology. – Yours, etc,
CAITRIONA
DUNNE-DELACROIX,
Paris,
France.
Madam, – It is encouraging to see that a clear majority of those who expressed an opinion in the recent Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll feel that Muslim children ought to have their freedom of religion respected by being allowed to wear the hijab in State schools (The Irish Times, June 9th).
Diversity is a virtue that ought to be central in all educational sectors. It is interesting to note that the Muslim headscarf and other non-Christian religious symbols have long since been welcomed in Catholic schools. It is to be hoped that other sectors will follow this progressive lead. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KELLY
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.
Madam, – Peter Evans’s argument (June 5th) – that Muslims living in Ireland have rights comparable to those of teenagers living under their parents’ roof – shows little respect for immigrants in Ireland or for religious and personal beliefs. And the idea that Muslims in Ireland are akin to a rebellious teenager is comically offensive.
Islam is as real a religion as Catholicism and it is growing at a greater rate. I would not give up my beliefs if I moved to another country, so why should Muslims? Co-existence can succeed only through mutual respect. – Yours, etc,
GARETH J. MOSS,
St Assam’s Road,
Dublin 5.