Teenager to challenge "religious clothing ban"

Tuesday, 24 February 2004 1:14 AM

A teenage Muslim girl is to bring a High Court challenge against her school in a row over her right to wear traditional religious dress in the classroom.

15-year-old Shabina Begum's lawyers confirmed yesterday that a judge had said there was an "arguable case" for a judicial review.

A full hearing is expected to take place in the spring.

Ms Begum has missed school since September 2002, when she was sent home from Denbigh High School, Luton, for wearing a jilbab - a long, flowing gown.

Her lawyers argued that Ms Begum's right to practise her religion and to learn in school had been infringed upon.

But Stuart Moore, assistant head teacher at Denbigh School, said jilbabs raised issues about health and safety.

In France, politicians have voted to ban religious symbols and dress in schools.

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