Jakarta, NU Online
An associate chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deplored France's decision to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public places.
"We deplore the issuance of the ban in the current era of religious freedom and human rights," KH Ma'ruf Amin said when asked to comment on the issue by Antara news agency here on Wednesday.<<>br />
He said the French government should not have issued the decision to ban Muslim women to wear burqa, hiqab or veils because the garment did not only reflect religious but also cultural values.
The French senate in a vote on Wednesday morning passed the ban on Muslim women to wear the dress in public places that include streets, markets, private businesses and entertainment centers.
France's national assembly earlier passed the law in July with 335 of its members in favour of and one against it.
They cited protection of Muslim women from forced requirement to wear the full length dress that leaves only the woman`s eyes visible.
Ma'ruf said MUI would meet soon to take an official stance towards France`s decision including possible sending of a complaint letter to the French government.
"We still have to discuss whether we need to send a complaint letter," he said.
He said he could not as yet determine when the meeting would be held as many MUI members were now still on an Idul Fitri holiday and therefore not all of them could immediately gather for the meeting.
Ma'ruf said he deeply regretted the French measure, especially because France was an advanced country that upholds human rights including religious freedom. (dar)
An associate chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deplored France's decision to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public places.
"We deplore the issuance of the ban in the current era of religious freedom and human rights," KH Ma'ruf Amin said when asked to comment on the issue by Antara news agency here on Wednesday.<<>br />
He said the French government should not have issued the decision to ban Muslim women to wear burqa, hiqab or veils because the garment did not only reflect religious but also cultural values.
The French senate in a vote on Wednesday morning passed the ban on Muslim women to wear the dress in public places that include streets, markets, private businesses and entertainment centers.
France's national assembly earlier passed the law in July with 335 of its members in favour of and one against it.
They cited protection of Muslim women from forced requirement to wear the full length dress that leaves only the woman`s eyes visible.
Ma'ruf said MUI would meet soon to take an official stance towards France`s decision including possible sending of a complaint letter to the French government.
"We still have to discuss whether we need to send a complaint letter," he said.
He said he could not as yet determine when the meeting would be held as many MUI members were now still on an Idul Fitri holiday and therefore not all of them could immediately gather for the meeting.
Ma'ruf said he deeply regretted the French measure, especially because France was an advanced country that upholds human rights including religious freedom. (dar)
