Tajikistan’s Hijab Ban

Why in news?

After years of unofficial curbs on religious clothing, the Tajikistan government has recently moved to formally ban the wearing of the hijab in the country.

What does the new law say about hijab ban?

• Hijab – It is the head covering worn by Muslim women, as well as other garments associated with Islam.
• Ban – It forbids the “import, sale, promotion and wearing of clothing deemed foreign to the national culture”.
• It is done by amending the existing law on Regulation of Holidays and Ceremonies.
• Fine for violations – It may attract fines ranging from 7,920 somonis ($747) for individual offenders to 39,500 somonis.

Somonis is the currency of Tajikistan.

What are the arguments in favor of hijab ban?

• Secularism and Neutrality – A ban on hijabs in public institutions can help maintain a secular and neutral environment, ensuring that no religious symbols are promoted or given preference over others.
• Gender Equality – Some argue that the hijab is a symbol of female oppression, and banning it can promote gender equality and empower women.
• Social Cohesion – Proponents of the ban believe it can enhance social cohesion and integration, reducing visible differences between individuals and fostering a sense of unity.
• Security Concerns – In certain contexts, the hijab and other face-covering garments can pose security concerns by concealing identities, making it difficult to enforce safety measures.
• Cultural Assimilation – A ban may encourage cultural assimilation, helping immigrants and minority groups to integrate more fully into the host society.

What are arguments against a hijab ban?

• Freedom of Religion – Banning the hijab infringes on individuals' rights to freedom of religion and expression, as guaranteed by various human rights laws and constitutions.
• Discrimination and Exclusion – A ban can lead to the marginalization and discrimination of Muslim women, exacerbating social tensions and fostering an environment of exclusion.
• Personal Choice – Many women choose to wear the hijab as a personal or religious expression.
• A ban undermines their autonomy and right to make personal decisions about their attire.
• Cultural Diversity – Allowing the hijab promotes cultural diversity and acceptance, enriching society by acknowledging and respecting different cultural practices.
• Counterproductive – Banning the hijab might have the opposite effect, strengthening religious identity and resistance among Muslim communities, leading to further alienation and division.

What is the status of hijab ban in India?

• High Court – In 2024, Bombay High Court held Chembur college hijab ban was in ‘larger academic interest’.
• In 2022, Karnataka High Court stated that donning the hijab or niqab was “not an essential religious practice” for women professing Islam.
• Supreme Court – In 2022, it delivered a split verdict in the Karnataka hijab case.

• Support for hijab wearing – One of the judges held that ‘secularity’ meant ‘tolerance to diversity’.
• He said that asking a pre university schoolgirl to take off her hijab at her school gate is an invasion on her privacy and dignity.
• It is violative of Article 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India.
• He referred to submissions that the hijab ban has led to dropout or transfer of students affecting their education.
• He also countered that although school was a public place, it was not correct to draw a parallel between a school and a jail or a military camp.
• Support for hijab ban – The other judge said ‘secularity’ meant ‘uniformity’ and upheld the Karnataka HC ruling validating the ban on wearing hijab in classrooms.
• He views that hijab would affect the creation of a homogenous group of students and would create a segmented society.
• He held that adherence to uniform was a reasonable restriction to free expression that reinforced equality.

In S R Bommai vs Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court said that the state should free itself from religious affinity.

What lies ahead?

• Dialogue and Inclusivity – Encourage open and respectful dialogue between different communities to understand the significance of the hijab and the concerns of those who support a ban.
• Contextual Policies – Develop policies that are sensitive to the specific context and needs of the community, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions.
  • For example, distinguish between educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Education and Awareness – Address misconceptions and stereotypes about the hijab through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
• Legal Frameworks – Ensure that any policies or laws regarding the hijab align with national and international human rights standards, protecting freedom of religion and expression.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training – Implement cultural sensitivity training for public servants, educators, and law enforcement to handle situations involving religious attire respectfully and appropriately.
• Monitoring and Evaluation – Regularly monitor the impact of any policies on the hijab and conduct evaluations to ensure they are achieving intended outcomes without unintended negative consequences.  

References

1. The Indian Express| Tajikistan ban Hijab
2. The Indian Express| Bombay HC upheld Hijab Ban in Chembur College