Senior MEP defends rights of Muslims

A senior MEP has called for the “mainstreaming” of Islam in Europe.

Speaking at a conference in Brussels on Tuesday, Baroness Sarah Ludford said Muslims were no more entitled to any “special treatment” than any other group.

But she insisted that some aspects of Islam, such as the right to wear what you like, should be “non-negotiable”.

The Liberal Democrat added, “What we need is a Europe which is more open and tolerant, one in which Muslims can integrate into society without having to be assimilated into it.”

“We need to treat Muslim people on an equal footing in terms of freedom of religion, the ability to dress as you please and the right not to be discriminated against,” added Ludford, a member of parliament’s committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs.

The event was organised by the German think tank, Fridrich-Naumann-Stiftung, also discussed a policy report produced by parliament’s DG for internal polices.

It calls for the “Muslim dimension” to be taken into consideration in “any reflection on a European identity.”

The report, ‘Islam in the EU – what’s at stake in the future?’ also calls for the promotion of a “tolerant and open” Islam.

“It is only be facing reality and emphasising positive processes that the clash of civilisations may be avoided,” it says.

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