Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback Edited Legal Collections Data

"Symbolic statements, clashing values and European anti-veiling laws" [2019] ELECD 1179; in Cox, Neville (ed), "Behind the Veil" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 248

Book Title: Behind the Veil

Editor(s): Cox, Neville

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 8

Section Title: Symbolic statements, clashing values and European anti-veiling laws

Number of pages: 13

Abstract/Description:

In this concluding chapter, I draw together various themes that have arisen in the previous chapters and that point, I believe, to the conclusion that European anti-veiling laws are symbolic strikes against a symbol, and are not enacted in order to have any kind of meaningful substantive effect. I further consider whether lessons can be learned from these themes as to the real reasons why states pass laws against Islamic veiling, and suggest, albeit speculatively, that there may be two such reasons. I argue that neither of these reasons would constitute justifiable bases for interfering with human rights, and thus that the veiling issue presents significant challenges as far as bodies like the European Court are concerned.