Press / Media MSF Press Release 21st December 2006 | MSF Press Release 21st December 2006 |
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The Veil - Fanning the Flames The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) fully appreciates, in conjunction with the wider community that the safety and security of all citizens is of paramount importance. The MSF has worked dedicatedly with the Police Service to help bring this about in an inclusive, constructive and open manner. The concerns of the Muslim community and their rights as equal citizens to practice and adhere to their religious beliefs, is also of equal importance. The MSF and the Muslim community as a whole are working constructively, whilst keeping both goals in mind, to bring about the best outcome for society as a whole. The need for identifying individuals at ports or any transport hubs is essential in maintaining safety and security for the whole community. In line with this, the MSF has always promoted and in-turn expected that sensitive policy be developed to address the need for safety and security with an eye on the rights of the individual citizen to adhere to their way of life, belief or practices. For the safety of us all, this should include policy and resources such as having female officers available at every port to check the identity of those female passengers who wear the Niqab or Veil in an environment away from public gaze. This would ensure that there is no breach of any security or safety concerns and be sensitive to these female passengers. This has always been the position of the MSF and of the Muslim community. However, what concerns and saddens the Muslim community is the manner in which such discussions and debates are now being undertaken. These include the false insinuations that the Niqab or Veil is an oppressive piece of clothing being forced upon women whereas the reality is that it is a choice made by women who wish to comply with their personal religious beliefs something that every citizen has the right to do. What we find unacceptable, as do the majority of the citizens of the United Kingdom, is the baseless discussions and the senseless debates of the ignorant which serve no other purpose than to start resentment and the subsequent crimes of hate against an entire community. We are aware that since the last 'debate' on this matter that many Muslim women have been attacked by Islamophobes. We have asked the Police to ensure that they take note of any community tensions following these latest stories. As Muslims, we welcome, participate and promote dialogue between all the citizens of this country in a harmonised and constructive way. END Note for Editors: The MSF is made up of national and regional Islamic organisations including: Al Ershad Centre, Al Ikhlas Foundation / Muslim Prisoners Support Group, Al Khoei Foundation, Al Maghrib, Al Muntada Al Islami, Amal Trust, AMP – BTP, AMP – MPS, An Nisa Society, Bangla 2000 - 1990 Trust, Barnet Muslim Advisory Group, Basildon Islamic Centre, British Muslim Forum (BMF), Eritrean Muslim Community, FAIR, FOSIS, IFE, Iqra Trust, ISB, Islamic Cultural Centre, Kingswood Islamic Committee, LMC, MAB, MCB, Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Muslim Directory, Muslim Parliament, Muslim Voices, Muslimaat UK, Q News, Somali Muslim Community, Cage Prisoners, The Avenue School, The Muslim College, UKIM, Women’s Relief, YMO, UMO The MSF is the key advisory body for the Police Service and has signed a working protocol with the Metropolitan Police & ACPO to build better police / community relations. It has been advising the police on matters of safety and security from the Muslim perspective for over five years now. It meets on a monthly basis with senior representatives of ACPO and the MPS, the MPA, Home Office, CPS and the IPCC amongst others. If you have any further queries then please contact: Azad Ali (07956 527 296) or Abdurahman Jafar (07905 891 299)
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