On 8 September, students, activists, and politicians gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to protest against Reform UK MSP Thomas Kerr’s motion to outlaw balaclavas and religious facial coverings.
The demonstration was organized by Amina — the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre, Women Against the Far Right Scotland, Stand Up To Racism Scotland and Sisters Against Cuts.
It comes about a week after Kerr’s motion that would strip Muslim women of their choice to wear a burqa or niqab in public.
Fatma El Araby, a human rights activist and niqab-wearing Muslim woman, addressed the crowd, saying that Kerr’s motion could make Scotland increasingly unsafe for Muslim women who would have to choose between their faith and participation in public life:
“I wear the niqab, but my niqab has never stopped me from raising my children, supporting vulnerable people, standing up for human rights, or contributing to the Scottish community and society. You may not see my face, but clearly you can hear my voice. You can see my work. You can see my contribution, and you can see that I refuse to be silenced.”
A debate regarding the ban was scheduled for Thursday evening. Kerr was heckled throughout his speech, with Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens calling the motion “fascism in action.”
Though many are certain that the motion will be rejected, they said they feel it is important to protest, calling out members of parliament for racist and misogynistic behaviour.
Talat Yaqoob, co-convenor of Women Against the Far Right Scotland, called on the MSPs present at the demonstration to recognize the 40,000 Muslim citizens they represent in the Glasgow Region, encouraging them to use their position to speak out against Kerr’s motion.
“We need to be clear in the debate chamber, but we also need to be having community conversations, tackling the misinformation and fear that is being harnessed in communities. The answer that’s being given to them is to target their neighbors. We have to stand against that.”
Image by Sophie Loiacano for The Student.
