Excerpt:
The Irish Council of Imams, a group which represents Muslims living in Ireland, has spoken out against attempts to ban the niqab elsewhere in Europe and called on members of the religion to contribute positively to the societies in which they are living.
The council said that a ban on the niqab – a veil worn by Muslim women that covers everything except the eyes – violates personal freedoms guaranteed by democratic systems.
It added that such bans also constitute an obstacle to multiculturalism, integration and human rights.
Its comments come following moves by governments in several countries to restrict the wearing of niqabs.