Religion communities against draft law banning the veil

TIRANA, Jan. 11 – Albanian Muslim Community expressed concern for a draft law on banning the veil for the school children.
The veil is a practice, not a symbol, for all girls reaching maturity age, covering their hair, not the face. That view is allowed for pictures used for the identity cards and the passports issued in the last two years, said a statement Tuesday after Muslim leaders met with the Education Ministry.
Authorities say the draft law, which is in a public discussion, will be based on the country’s constitution and also in line with suggestions from the European Union, which Albania aims at becoming a member one day.
About two-thirds of Albania’s 3.2 million population is Muslim. Albanians were not allowed to practice any religion under Communist rule between 1967 and 1990.
An association of imams called for the new education bill to be amended, arguing that the veil is not a mere symbol for Muslims but is central to their religious identity. The new education bill should be “amended and adapted in order not to infringe on the expression of religious faith in public spaces,” they said.
Ministry of education officials recently clarified that wearing the hijab, or Muslim veil, will not be allowed in state schools under the new bill, which is still under consultation with interest groups until the end of January.