site.bta Supreme Muslim Council Protests against Attempts to Limit Religious Freedoms

Supreme Muslim Council Protests against Attempts to Limit Religious Freedoms

Sofia, June 17 (BTA) - In a declaration adopted on June 13 the Supreme Muslim Council in Bulgaria denounced the growing Islamophobia in the world in the last 15 years and the trend to transfer this phenomenon on a national scale. The declaration expresses concern caused by the "hysterics and populism of some politicians and their attempts to restrict religious right under the pretext of defence of national security and public order".

The declaration expresses concern caused by the actions of some municipalities adopting statutory instruments which violate Muslim religious rights and feelings by banning certain clothing covering the face. According to certain Sunni canonical interpretations, this is a religious tenet and an obligation of Muslim women, the declaration says.

Two days ago, Parliament passed on principle a new bill that bans wearing face veils in public. Proposed by Krassimir Karakachanov of the Patriotic Front and a group of MPs, the bill outlaws wearing clothing that fully or partially conceals the face of Bulgarian citizens or foreigners and migrants residing here permanently or temporarily.

The ban shall not apply to private homes and official places of worship, or when the clothing is worn for health or professional reasons, for sport and cultural events.