Ahmadiyya Times | Staff News | Sweden Source (Photo): Office of Nasim Malik, Social Democrat Leader, Kalmar County
By Staff Reporter
“The Social Democarts have always emphasized their support for basic human rights.” This, according to Mr. Nasim Malik, a Social democrat leader of Pakistani Origin and Politician from Kalmar, Sweden, is where this now appears to be the story of total Swedish society and nearly all political parties.
“We have always stuck to our position on freedom of religion, expression, press and democracy,” says Nasim Malik who is in-charge of the Integrations questions for the Social democrats of Kalmar County in Sweden.
“My party, Social Democrats, whether in the government or in the opposition, have always stood for the freedom of religion, expression and for the respect of the Foreigners’ religious believes,” says Nasim Malik.
Explaining to Ahmadiyya Times, Mr. Malik seemed very satisfied with the Party Head, Mona Sahlin, who had earlier taken a strong stand for the party beliefs in an on-air Radio debate with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Fredrik Reinfeldt.
In Wednesday's Radio discussion between Prime Minister Reinfeldt and Social Democrat leader Mona Sahlin, the two had debated on the issue of burka ban.
“Now, even our Prime Minister Reinfeldt has openly announced ‘No’ to any ban on Burka or any legislative action during the Radio debate with Mona Sahlin,” says Nasim Malik.
After the debate the Prime Minister said, “No, I do not want to" about any attempts to start a legislative action on burka.
The background of the burka debate in Sweden is that a parliamentary commission in France has proposed a comprehensive law against headscarves in public buildings and transport.
Party Leader Sahlin had indicated a clear 'no' all along while Prime Minister Reinfeldt had expressed himself more carefully, which was open to interpretation whether he really stood for or against the issue.
But after the debate with Social Democrat Leader, on Thursday he clearly closed the door of ambiguity. The change of heart was for the same reason that Socialdemocrat leader Mona Sahlin had expressed – ‘it could be counterproductive’.
“Legislation should not result in some women further isolated from Swedish society," he says.
In Sweden, the Muslim professional women are known to be highly respected -and they, for the most part, respect and follow the rules in their professional carriers where the work environment demands special dresses.
Stop the financial support?
In the debate Socialdemocrat leader Sahlin suggested an end to any financial support for the organizations that preach divisive ideas to boys and girls in youth clubs in suburban areas.
Prime Minister Reinfeldt is doubtful whether there is a way forward on this point.
"It is clear that we must be prepared to lead this type of discussion, but precisely how such rules should be drawn is difficult to say,” he said.
“It is easy to get into difficult issues of principle in this type of trade-offs. Who should decide what an acceptable view is and what is unacceptable," Prime Minister explained.
He points out that there are municipalities which distribute such contributions and freedom is also applicable for "them".
Instead, Prime Minister wants to highlight the need for social debates that is not limited to the issue of burkas, but how come the young boys and girls have different rules to follow.
“While we cannot accept certain things, but every problem cannot be legislated either," Prime Minister said.
Center Party's spokesperson on integration, Annika Qarlsson (C) also rejects the idea of prohibiting the burka.
"We are not to regulate it; it will have to be free. It would turn an odd problem into something much bigger than what it really is. However, it can be made applicable on limited basis, on certain jobs, for purely professional reasons, but it will not be solved by the legislative route," Annika Qarlsson explained Center Part’s position.
“A discussion of this type is very important, but you should be vigilant as to whether it has a shifting positions, which I felt was the case in Denmark, which has laws against certain religions," says Annika.
Denmark:
A Danish study group is now working to develop proposals on how to keep students, teachers and other public servants from wearing burka or niqab in Denmark.
At a weekly meeting with the press, Danish Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen will, subject to the findings of the investigation, outline the proposed text on the Government's comprehensive approach.
“The next might be a discussion on how we can pull burka or niqab from the women. Whether we do so by law or we do so by displaying an attitude or we will do it by supporting leaders in institutions around the country; so that they dare to fight,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
The Prime Minister did not impress that any laws to be drafted; and expressed to the media that bans on various types of clothing are not part of policy or the Danish traditions.
“The important thing is that we are clearly against the type of costumes represented by these women.” He said.
--Staff writer
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