Azerbaijan, where approximately 96% of the population identifies as Muslim, has introduced new school dress regulations that effectively restrict the Islamic hijab in public schools.
On September 21, the government approved new uniform rules invoking the principle of secular education. Although the regulations do not explicitly mention the hijab, female students and teachers have reportedly been denied entry to schools for wearing it.
37 protesters have reportedly been detained amid growing demonstrations against the restrictions.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade, has defended the government’s position, declaring that the hijab is not generally banned, only restricted under public-school dress regulations.
What a remarkable contradiction! A country that claims to respect religious freedom is forcing Muslim girls and teachers to choose between their faith and their education.
Secularism should mean protecting everyone’s freedom of belief, not imposing the state’s preferred interpretation of religion on its citizens.
And perhaps the greatest irony is watching a religious leader defend restrictions on religious expression rather than defend the rights of those affected.
Since when did a girl’s headscarf become a greater threat to the state than denying her an education?