Belgian Headscarf Ban Faces Landmark Challenge in Top Court

A major Belgian Muslim organization has filed a legal appeal against a local ban on headscarves. The Ghent Mosques Association is challenging the city's prohibition in Belgium's Constitutional Court. The ban, enacted by the city of Ghent, forbids public employees from wearing any visible religious symbols, including the Islamic headscarf. The association argues the rule violates fundamental rights. It stated that "freedom of expression is coming under increasing pressure" in Belgium. The case is now with the country's highest legal authority. Its decision could set a significant national precedent on religious expression in public service.