Muslim organization urges Belgium to reconsider burqa ban

A Muslim group calling itself the International Imam Organization has called upon the Belgian government to re-consider a decision to ban the burqa (veil covering the face) and to seek advice with Islamic organizations on how to deal with such religious issues. A law came into force in Belgium on Saturday banning women from wearing the burqa in public. Dr. Mehmood Khalid a spokesperson for the International Imam Organization which is based in Brussels in a statement said "instead of taking such measures the Government should launch programs for integration of Muslims into Belgium and implement open door policy." "We all should work together and increase the brotherhood and parity between Islam and other faiths. This is the time to create harmony and peace and to welcome all religions with open arms," noted the statement. Belgium is the second European country after France to enforce a burqa ban in public. Offenders could face prison term of one week and a fine of 137 euro. Supporters of the burqa ban argue that covering of the face poses a security threat. Only a few dozen Muslim women reportedly wear the burqa in Belgium. According to Belgian media reports, two women have announced that they will be challenging the burqa ban in Belgium's Constitutional Court. A Belgian lawyer Ines Wouters, representing the two women, told the Belgian daily La Libre on Saturday that "we consider the law a disproportionate intrusion into fundamental rights such as the freedom of religion and expression."