European Parliament Lobbied Over Right to Religious Garb

In Strasbourg, France today, Muslim women from around Europe will gather to lobby members of the European Parliament for the right to wear the Hijab (head covering). Sikhs from around Europe will also lobby for the right to wear turbans. The controversy stems from a French law enacted in March 2004 that bans conspicuous religious symbols and attire in public schools. According to a report today by the Islamic Republic News Agency, May 20 is the deadline to obtain signatures of a majority of the members of the European Parliament to bring up for debate the previously tabled "Written Declaration on Religious Rights and Freedoms in France and Throughout the European Union."