A cross-party group of MEPs is tabling a 'Written Declaration' in the European Parliament calling for respect for religious rights and freedoms in France and throughout the EU, including the right to wear the Sikh turban, Jewish skullcap, Muslim hijab and Christian cross in state establishments. The MEPs believe a ban on demonstration of personal faith to be an infringement of human rights, in particular rights guaranteed in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. A written declaration in the European Parliament is similar to an 'early day motion' at Westminster, a means for MEPs to make a political statement on a particular issue. To become a resolution that is adopted and debated in the European Parliament, at least half of the 732 MEPs spread across the 25 EU Member States must sign within 3 months, otherwise the written declaration will lapse. Since the expansion of the EU to 25 Member States the number of written declarations has declined. To achieve the support of 366 MEPs within 90 days is virtually impossible unless a huge effort is made by all concerned. However, it is important for Sikhs and faith communities across Europe that a large number of MEPs sign this written declaration to send a message to the French Government. The timing is important as the law in France on 'conspicuous religious symbols' in schools is due to be reviewed one year after implementation - in September 2005. The cross-party group comprises London MEPs Claude Moraes (Labour) and Sarah Ludford (Liberal Democrat), Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Phillip Bushill-Matthews, Green MEP for the South-East Caroline Lucas and French Green MEP Alain Liptiez. Making specific reference to the French ban on 'conspicuous religious symbols' in schools, the declaration asks the French government to rethink its ban, consider options for the integration of religious minorities and calls on all Member States to permit expressions of faith. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, who is Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, said: "Bans like the French one in the name of secularism may be well-intentioned, but they operate in an authoritarian manner, failing to acknowledge individual preferences and the diversity in Europe's population." "The French tradition of assimilation thorough non-recognition of difference can be contrasted with the British tradition of pluralism. The whole of Europe is searching for a model of integration that works, but we suggest that the starting-point must be respect for freedom of expression." A press conference to mark the launch of the declaration and the campaign to collect signatures will be held in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, on 23rd February. Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), has written to all 78 UK MEPs urging them to attend the launch and sign the written declaration as soon as possible. The Federation has also been in contact with leading faith organisations in the UK, such as the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, Jewish Board of Deputies and Muslim Association of Britain to encourage them to contact relevant faith organisations across Europe to ensure pressure is exerted on MEPs in all 25 Member States. An appeal has been made by the Federation to leading Sikh organisations in Europe to work with different faith communities in different European countries and play their part in seeking the support of MEPs. A Federation spokesman said: "The Sikh community in Europe will do its utmost to pressure MEPs to sign this written declaration in the next 90 days and encourage leading Jewish, Muslim and Christian organisations to join the lobby." The spokesman added: "However, doubts remain on the sincerity of the likes of the Indian Government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on this issue. Following pressure from Sikhs in Europe we have seen many statements from the likes of the Indian Government on the right of Sikh children to wear the turban. They continue to claim to be engaged in diplomatic efforts with the French Government - however the reality is that Sikh and other children in France are suffering." "Indian High Commissions and embassies of other countries that are opposed to the law in France have an ideal opportunity to exert diplomatic pressure in the next 90 days. They should write and pressure all 732 MEPs throughout the 25 EU Member States to prove they are genuine in their desire to have the ban in France overturned."

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