Religious freedom

World News

As EU court rules religious symbols can be banned, how will it work?

The wearing of the hijab has divided Europe for years and it is back in the spotlight again, but the issue is not just confined to Muslim women.

30/11/2023

France

France's top court upholds ban on abaya - despite concerns from Muslim leaders

Action for the Rights of Muslims had filed the motion with the State Council, seeking an injunction against the ban, claiming it was discriminatory and might incite hatred against the Muslim community.

07/09/2023

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WATCH: Pope arrives at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ulaanbaatar

Pope Francis arrives at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during the first papal visit to the Asian nation sandwiched between China and Russia.

02/09/2023

Culture news

'Non balneabile': What are the face covering bans across Europe?

A group of Muslim women wearing modest beach wear were harassed by a group of women in northern Italy claiming that they can’t go in the water with their clothing.

14/08/2023

Culture news

Malawi’s Rastafarian children start post-ban return to school

About 1,200 Rastafarian children are expected to return to state schools in the country after being banned for a decade.

18/05/2023

Culture news

Brussels court rules Polish pop star’s rights violated by Warsaw

Europe’s highest court rules Doda’s rights were violated a decade ago when her country’s court prosecuted the pop singer for her comments on religion.

16/09/2022

Culture news

Turkish pop star Gülşen arrested over joke about religious schools

The singer-songwriter has apologised for causing offence but says her comments were seized on by people who want to polarise Turkey.

26/08/2022

France

Six people convicted of harassing teenager over anti-Islam videos

The "Mila" case has generated debate in France over free speech and religious rights.

24/05/2022

Finland

Former Finnish minister acquitted of inciting anti-LGBT hate speech

The Helsinki court said Päivi Räsänen's comments did not go beyond free speech laws.

30/03/2022

Finland

Finland's ex-interior minister goes on trial for anti-LGBT hate speech

Päivi Räsänen is accused of inciting hatred after making the comments on Twitter in 2019.

24/01/2022

World News

Employers can ban headscarves and religious symbols, EU court says

The ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) states that the ban "may be justified by the employer's need to present itself in a neutral manner to customers or to prevent social conflicts."

15/07/2021

Netherlands

Dutch MPs asked to reconsider burqa ban as women report rise in abuse

The so-called burqa ban has been in place since August 2019 and women who cover their faces on public transport or in buildings including schools and hospitals risk a 150 euro fine

23/09/2020