Swedish Muslim Group Wants Legal Accommodations; Others Object

The Jerusalem Post reported on Friday that the Swedish government and moderate Muslims in Sweden have strongly rejected a call by Mahmoud Aldebe, head of Sweden's largest Islamic organization, for the enactment of special laws to aid Muslims in observing their religious obligations. Aldebe’s letter was sent to each of Sweden’s parliamentary parties on behalf of the Swedish Muslim Association, as Sweden moves toward fall elections. The letter suggested that Muslims should be given time off work for Friday prayers and Islamic holidays; imams should approve all divorces between Muslim couples; public swimming pools should have one night a week for women-only to swim; imams should have the right to teach Islam to Muslim children in public schools; and special Muslim cemeteries should be established. The only politician who seems to agree with the proposal is Ebtisam Aldebe, running as a member of the Centre Party. (Brussels Journal report.)