Bill pushed to protect freedom to wear ‘hijab’

COTABATO CITY—A bill seeking to protect the freedom of Muslim women to wear “hijab,” a traditional Muslim head gear, is being supported by Muslim lawmakers, according to the bill’s proponent, Rep. Sitti Djalia Hataman, of the Anak Mindanao party list group.

Hataman, wife of Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said while she feels elated that the measure is being supported by Muslim lawmakers, “we will try to convince other members of the House to support its passage.”

During the World Hijab Day forum held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here on Saturday, Hataman broke down as she recalled an incident when she and her husband were barred from entering a forum venue unless she removed her head cover.

It was a time when Muslims worldwide have been stereotyped as terrorists because of frequent bomb attacks and terror acts by extremists, she recalled.

She said the unforgettable experience made her faith stronger, that when she was elected party-list representative, she openly declared the wearing of hijab by Muslim women as the symbol of her faith.

The emotional revelation brought Rep. Hataman to tears, interrupting her speech at the forum. Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao