Muslim veil ban challenged in Belgium

BRUSSELS, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- An anti-racism group has challenged a regulation that bans wearing of Muslim veils and scarves in Belgian schools.

The challenge, filed by the Mouvement contre le racisme, l'antisemitisme et la xenophobie or MRAX, comes on the heels of an Aug. 26 rule by French Community Prime Minister Marie Arena banning hats and other headwear at secondary schools, news service Expatica reported.

MRAX Director Didier de Laveleye said the complaint lodged with the Council of State demands respect for religious liberty that is guaranteed by Belgium's Constitution and international treaties.

MRAX said 80 percent of schools in Belgium's French community have banned all headwear.