Deputies must be free to wear headscarf, CHP deputy says

ANKARA – Hürriyet

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Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Konya deputy Atilla Kart has said deputies must be allowed to wear headscarves but added that those representing the state as judges, teachers and security forces, must not be allowed to wear any religious elements.

“In the Parliament, the deputies are working with their political identities. They must be free to wear anything they want, including religious and political signs, as long as they comply with the general moral understanding. Turkey must get over this,” said Kart on Aug. 14.

Kart said it is part of democracy and pluralism to have deputies with headscarves in Parliament. “All segments of society must be represented in Parliament,” said Kart, adding that this was his personal opinion on the issue.

However, Kart said the headscarf ban should remain for public servants who represent the state.

“I share my party’s opinion on this issue. Those who serve the people on behalf of the state, those who exercise the state’s right to sovereignty, those who take part in the executive, such as judges, teachers and security forces, cannot display any religious signs due to the [principle of] secularism. This applies to both men and women,” he said.