US report cites European discrimination against Muslims

Washington - The US State Department's annual report on human rights released Wednesday warned of increasing concern that discrimination against Muslims was on the rise in Europe. The human rights report for 2009 cited Switzerland's ban on the construction of minarets on mosques enacted in November, as well as continued bans or restrictions on headscarves and burkas worn by Muslims in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

"Discrimination against Muslims in Europe has been an increasing concern," the report said.

Germany and the Netherlands have prohibitions against teachers wearing headscarves or burkas while on the job, and France bans the wearing of the religious garb in public, the report said.

The report particularly focused on problems in the Netherlands, where Muslims number about 850,000. The report said Muslims face societal resentment based on the belief that Islam is not compatible with Western values.

"Major incidents of violence against Muslims were rare, but minor incidents, including intimidation, brawls, vandalism, and graffiti with abusive language, were common," the report said, adding that right-wing politicians play a role in fueling the resentment.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/313645,us-report-cites-european-discrimination-against-muslims.html.