The Veil Controversy: International Perspectives on Religion in Public Life

In March 2004, France passed into law a prohibition on wearing Muslim headscarves and other “overt” religious insignia in public schools. The law has caused a storm of controversy within France and beyond on the rule of religion in public life and on the ability of France and Europe to integrate its growing Muslim population. This panel brings together French, American and Muslim experts to assess the effect of “banning on the veil” on the relationship between Church and State, Islam and the West, and America and Europe.

Speakers:

E.J. Dionne, Co-Chairman, Pew Forum and Senior Fellow, Brookings

Justin Vaisse, Affiliated Scholar, Brookings Center on the U.S. and Europe

Husain Haqqani, Visiting Scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Raja El Habti, Director of Research, Karamah Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights