Women protest Reform UK's burqa ban proposal at Holyrood

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 04:48 · Archive

Women's groups protested outside the Scottish Parliament against Reform UK's proposal to ban face coverings including the burqa.

Women's rights groups gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to protest Reform UK MSP Thomas Kerr's motion calling for the Scottish Government to assess further restrictions on full-face coverings, particularly the burqa and niqab. The protest was organised by Amina, the Muslim Women's Resource Centre, Women Against the Far Right Scotland, Stand Up To Racism Scotland and Sisters Against Cuts.

Kerr cited public safety, individual liberty and community cohesion as reasons for the restrictions. During the parliamentary debate, SNP MSP Katie Hagmann challenged him to provide evidence that what women wear constitutes a public safety issue. Kerr replied he was speaking about 'all face coverings', though he went on to focus on the burqa specifically.

Community worker and human rights activist Fatma Elarby said outside Holyrood: 'I wear the niqab, but it has never stopped me from fighting for human rights, from being part of my diverse community. You cannot see my face, but you can hear my voice and I refuse to be silenced.' Talat Yaqoob, co-convener of Women Against The Far Right, said the Parliament's limited time should focus on social housing, the cost of living crisis and health rather than 'policing Muslim women's clothing'.

The debate was cut short when MSPs rejected an attempt to extend proceedings, with Deputy Presiding Officer Clare Adamson citing lack of unanimous consent. Experts on Denmark's 2018 burqa ban, which Kerr cited as precedent, warned The National that the legislation had made Muslim women fearful of public spaces and legitimised Islamophobia.

Women protest Reform UK's burqa ban proposal at Holyrood — Image: Daily Record

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How it is being reported

Let’s focus on the real issues amid 'deplorable' Reform UK call for burqa banReform chose to go on about this largely inconsequential issue at the Scottish Parliament, writes Record View.Daily Record · 9 Oct, 04:30
Thomas Kerr wants Scotland to follow Denmark. But did its burqa ban work?AS Thomas Kerr points to European burqa bans to justify introducing similar restrictions in Scotland, experts have warned that the legislation in Denmark has left Muslim women fearful of public spaces and legitimised Islamophobia.The National · 8 Oct, 18:30
Confusion at Holyrood as MSPs reject extending Reform UK's burqa ban debateA DEBATE on Reform UK's proposal to introduce a ban on face coverings descended into confusion at Holyrood after MSPs rejected an attempt to extend proceedings to allow more members to speakThe National · 8 Oct, 18:17
Women protest at Scottish Parliament over Reform UK's burqa ban bidWOMEN have gathered outside of the Scottish Parliament in protest of Reform UK's bid to ban face coverings in public places – with a particular focus on the burqaThe National · 8 Oct, 17:06

In this story: Reform UK · Thomas Kerr · Scottish Parliament · Amina · Fatma Elarby · Denmark

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