Turkey Advances to Remove Headscarf Ban

Egemen Bağış, Turkey's EU minister, has reportedly submitted a report regarding the the regulations on headscarf dress code in the public sector of various European countries, a research that hinted the lift of headscarf ban in Turkey's public sector.

According to NTV, the report demonstrated that Turkey's practice of headscarf ban - established in 1982 - was unlikely than any similar practice in Europe.

In his presentation to the cabinet, EU Minister Bağış underscored that the laws regulating the headscarf ban had no judicial foundations and the government did not require to amend a new law to replace the existing practice.

The cabinet is expected to announce the report to the public and launch a nationwide debate.

Some of the highlights from the report included:

* France is the only country that practices a rigorous public sector headscarf ban in Europe.

* Germany bans use of headscarf only in public schools. While Belgium doesn't allow women to wear burqa or veil that cover the whole face, Holland blocks policewomen and female judges to veil themselves. Denmark limits the headscarf ban solely with female judges.

* UK urges its Justice Ministry staff to dress "professionally".

* No headscarf regulations exist in the following European countries: Austria, Finland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland and Spain. (EKN/BM)