Tag: Holland

Dutch to introduce burqa ban at schools

Monday September 8, 2008 Islam

The ban only applies to compulsory education, and so does not include higher vocational education facilities and universities.

Minister Plasterk says that adults can decide for themselves whether they want to be confronted with a teacher wearing a burqa.

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Netherlands recognizes polygamous marriages of Muslims. Sort of.

Monday August 18, 2008 Islam, Polygamy

Although polygamy is banned in the Netherlands, the marriages of Muslims who have several wives are recognised by Dutch authorities.

Registrars in the major cities, in particular, record dozens of bigamous or polygamous marriages per year.

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Dutch church set up as a haven for smokers

Friday July 18, 2008 Offbeat News, Only and Universal Smokers Church of God

Dutch smokers are flocking to a religious movement known as “The Only and Universal Smokers Church of God” following a ban on tobacco smoking indoors.

Michiel Eijsbouts, founder and “Smokelighter” of the church he founded in 2001, has insisted that the Dutch smoking ban in place does not apply to members of his church under national and European human rights legislation.

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Man says he lost his wife and kids to Dutch sect

Friday June 27, 2008 Orde der Transformanten / Order of Transformers

A Dutch communal sect has filed a complaint with police against former members who accuse the group and its leaders of cult-like practices.

One man explains how he lost his wife and children to the group.

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Young Dutch Muslims get their own “polder mosque”

Tuesday May 27, 2008 Islam

The mosque in the Amsterdam suburb of Slotervaart wants to offer young people an alternative. Dutch will be the language used in the mosque, also for sermons, says Mr Cheppih. Plus, the form of Islam will be free of cultural influences from other countries.

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Amsterdam plans to subsidise Qur’an for police

Tuesday May 27, 2008 Islam

The capital’s police authority reckons the new translation, designed to be accessible to the general Dutch public, will give officers more insight into Islam.

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