The government of Kazakhstan has made a controversial decision to prohibitthe wearing of hijab headscarves by both students and teachers in schools,citing the importance of maintaining a secular state. This move has sparkedintense reactions within the country, leading to a significant debate.
The government’s rationale behind the ban is rooted in the notion that itis crucial to uphold a secular state. Official statistics indicate thatapproximately 70% of Kazakhstan’s population practices Islam, butproponents of the ban argue that Kazakhstan, as a secular country, shouldrefrain from showing favoritism towards any specific religion.
However, this ban has faced significant opposition from various segments ofthe population, with critics contending that it encroaches upon the freedomof conscience. Some individuals have resorted to extreme measures toprotest this decision.
For example, in one region, about 150 girls have dropped out of school inresponse to the hijab ban since September. In another incident, two menattacked a school director because she did not allow girls wearing hijabsto attend classes.
Read Top Stories
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has come forward to defend the banwhile emphasizing that Kazakhstan’s commitment to being a secular statewill persist.