Muslim groups call for concrete action against racism in Finland
HELSINKI, Finland – Muslim groups in Finland have called on the government to take concrete steps to achieve “zero tolerance” of racism.
The statement, signed by 26 Islamic communities and organizations, invoked Finland’s Freedom of Religion Act, which states that everyone has the right to practice their own religion.
The statement said that this includes the freedom to dress according to one’s religion.
They were incensed that Deputy Prime Minister Riikka Purra who had criticized Muslim women dress has not apologized for her remarks.
She had criticized Muslim women’s clothing in a blog in 2019. Islamic organizations called these remarks racist, degrading and discriminatory in tone.
The statement calls on the Finnish government, and in particular Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, to be more active in condemning the normalization of hate speech and rooting out racist ideas.
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