Mother Barred from Entering UK College for Not Removing Veil


London, Jun 25 (PTI): A Muslim mother was turned away from a parents' evening at a British college as she refused to remove her full-face veil, an incident that left her feeling humiliated.

Maroon Rafique, 40, was told that for the security and safety of children and teachers at the college there was a ban on any type of face coverings.

She was warned that unless she removed her full-face covering, known as the niqab, she would not be allowed into the college to attend the talk important for her son's education, the Daily Mail reported.

In the end, a stunned Rafique was forced to call her husband, who took her place and went with their son Awais, 18.

Rafique, who is married to double-glazing firm boss Abdul, 40, and has a younger son, Ibrahim, 12, said she felt humiliated.

"I'm born in this country and British. Why should what I wear offend anyone? I didn't want to make any fuss. All I wanted was to find out the information to help my son go to university," Rafique, who has worn the niqab for seven years, said.

"I offered to sit at the back or at the front, anywhere where I wouldn't be seen, if they thought I was going to offend anyone. I was really upset because whenever I've visited the college before there's never been a problem, in fact the tutors have been welcoming and friendly," she said.
Rafique, of Whalley Range, Manchester, had been invited to attend the parents' evening and talk about her son's education at The Manchester College.

But when the mother of two arrived she was apprehended by security staff who did not allow her to attend the talk.

"I do get abuse every now and again in the street, which I just have to deal with. However, I was very surprised when I was treated this way by the college," she added.

A spokesman for The Manchester College said Rafique's concerns were being taken "very seriously".
"The Manchester College provides a safe and inclusive environment that fosters development and achievement. We apply a single dress code to all college users, including learners and visitors," the spokesman said.

In March, a Muslim woman was barred from serving on a jury in the UK because she refused to remove her niqab.

  

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Comment on this article

  • jayant s, riyadh/suratkal

    Tue, Jun 26 2012

    If the women are happy by showing their cleavage,covering their face and displaying their navel with saree who are we to decide and what the school, government and religion has to with that ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • aLWYN, CANADA

    Tue, Jun 26 2012

    Very good decision of college. religion lovers like to cover live in Saudi or Afghan. What these people think whole world belongs to thier father. if you were born in UK then be like/dress like britisher

    DisAgree [9] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Margarita Dalmieda, India/Canada

    Tue, Jun 26 2012

    Well Done U.K. As Allen said she is not living in Saudi or Afghanistan. She chose to be in U.K. so sha has to follow rules. When other people live in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi rules make the females to wear abaya or burka. So if the want to live in any other country they have to obey the rules to make everyone comfortable.when I was in middle East we even were asked to fast when it was Ramadan. sorry folks we have to wake up. for everyone's security.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • The Guru, Mangalore

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Why do people dont bring these kind of rules in India? can anyone explain

    DisAgree [6] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allen, Mangalore

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    British College has done the right thing. This lady is not living in Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subodh Chattopadhya, Kavathar-Melmane/24 Parganas Par

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Well-done dont allow. Follow rules.
    For each and everybody in this world applies only one rule.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • IMRAN, JUBAIL KSA

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Brave Lady Maroon, Do not lose your faith and hope, you are the golden example for whole muslim world and Muslima, Allah may safeguard you from these evils who is troubling you because you are in the path of Allah. Insha Allah they will ralise for their sin one or another day. Be Brave Always..!!

    DisAgree [16] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • N. Frank, India/Ksa

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Good decision by the security.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • shivaprakash, mangalore

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Where ever you go follow the rule of the country simple!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Sequeira, Dubai

    Mon, Jun 25 2012

    Most Westerners are Atheist and when they see anyone displaying their religion in its full glory, they get disturbed.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse


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