Turkey lifts decades-old ban on Islamic headscarves
None
Turkey on Tuesday lifted a decades-old ban on headscarves in the civil service as part of a package of reforms meant to improve democracy. The measure was hailed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose wife wears a headscarf, as a "step toward normalization."
"We have now abolished an archaic provision which was against the spirit of the republic," Erdogan said in a parliamentary speech to his ruling party lawmakers. "A dark time eventually comes to an end," he said. "Headscarf-wearing women are full members of the republic, as well as those who do not wear it." (AFP)
