ANKARA, 14 February 2008 — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave strong assurances yesterday that his Islamist-rooted party would protect the rights of women who do not cover up after Parliament eased restrictions on wearing the head scarf in Muslim-majority, secular Turkey.
“The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is the guarantor and protector of every citizen’s lifestyle, religion and way of thinking,” Erdogan told a meeting here of his party. “Protecting the rights of all the people of this country — whether they cover up or not — is our primary task,” he said. “Whenever you feel that your freedoms are being restricted, we will stand by you.”
The AKP-dominated Parliament lifted a ban on the Islamic head scarf in universities at the weekend, fueling concern that the government is seeking to erode the country’s fiercely guarded secular system. Even though the head scarf remains banned in lower education institutions and public offices, critics say the move will increase conservative pressure on women to cover up and encourage Islamists to challenge secular principles.
The AKP argued that the ban violated freedom of conscience and the right to education. Its abolition sparked secularist protest demonstrations and the academic community has warned of political tensions on campus.
The bill, which amends two articles of the constitution, is awaiting presidential approval to take effect. It is expected to be followed by an amendment to the higher education law that would maintain more extreme forms of cover such as the chador and burqa.
Erdogan lashed out in particular at the media critical of the bill, accusing them of increasing social tensions and polarization. “What discrimination have you seen so far from us? Aren’t you the ones who print pictures of naked women on your pages every day? Have you ever seen any one obstruct this?” he asked.
Newspapers often publish photographs of women wearing only bikinis or lingerie on the back pages, but never nude. Erdogan said secular women will remain free to dress in the way they like. “We guarantee their lifestyle,” he said.
President Abdullah Gul, an observant Muslim, must still sign off the law lifting the campus head scarf ban, which he is expected to do within two weeks. Erdogan’s government says the measure is aimed at expanding democracy and freedoms as part of Turkey’s EU membership bid.
