By Jochen Bittner HAMBURG, Germany — It was a warm June day in a northern German village, and I was talking to a Syrian friend outside a local shop. I had just bought some ice cream and offered to share it, but my friend refused. He was observing Ramadan: no food or drink until after sunset. “If Continue Reading
Macy’s decision to sell hijabs sparks debate among Muslim women
By Katy Scott (CNN)American department store Macy's sparked a fierce debate on Thursday, when it launched a line of "modest clothing" that featured hijabs. The Verona Collection was founded by fashion photographer Lisa Vogl, after she converted to Islam in 2011, and struggled to find modest, Continue Reading
Quebec renews burqa ban debate in parliament
By Ashifa Kassam A bitter debate over identity, religion and tolerance has resumed in the Canadian province of Quebec, as parliamentary hearings begin on proposed legislation that would ban anyone wearing a face covering from receiving public services in the province. The bill, tabled by the Continue Reading
Factbox: Troubled Europe debates burqas, niqabs and burkinis
Restrictions on face and full-body veils are back in the spotlight in parts of Europe after some French cities banned the burkini swimsuit, saying the garment, which leaves only the face, hands and feet exposed, defies laws on secularism. A spate of attacks against civilians claimed by militant Continue Reading