Pluralism on the wane

According to a recent study, a majority of Islamic studies teachers express sentiments against pluralism.

The Jakarta Post:

“[The study] reveals 68.6 percent of the respondents are opposed to non-Muslims becoming their school principleand 33.8 percent are opposed to having non-Muslim teachers at their schools.

Some 73.1 percent of the teachers don’t want followers of other religions to build their houses of worship in their neighborhoods, it found.

Some 85.6 percent of the teachers prohibit their students from celebrating big events perceived as Western traditions, while 87 percent tell their students not to learn about other religions.

“Anti-Muslim, yes… but not fanatically so”

Birthe Rønn Hornbech, the Danish Minister for Integration has taken a commendable stance against attempts to legislate about people’s private use of religious symbols while executing public office. The backdrop of her argument is that the Danish People’s Party has made a campaign against judges wearing the Muslim veil, and in particular the burqa. Social Democrats have made similar calls, though they have been quick to uncall the calls. Instead they have wimpishly called for a ‘debate’ on the matter. The government – oh, ever so efficient – called for a ‘fast-working group’ to come up with suggestions on the matter.