Two Muslim schoolgirls DENIED asylum after refusing mixed sex swimming lessons
TWO Muslim schoolgirls seeking asylum in Switzerland have been denied passports because they refused to take part in mixed swimming lessons at their school and at summer camps.
Two muslim schoolgirls were denied passports after refusing mixed sex swimming lessons
The girls cited "religious grounds" for their refusal to participate, but this was not an acceptable excuse to authorities in Basel.
The girls, aged 12 and 14, heard late last year that their applications for citizenship had been denied due to their reluctance to swim with classmates but only made public this week.
Swimming lessons are compulsory in Basel's schools
Stefan Wehrle, president of the naturalization committee involved in the decision, said: "Young people wishing to become Swiss citizens must prove they are meeting the requirements of the Swiss education system."
Swimming lessons are compulsory in Basel’s schools and in many other places beside in Switzerland.
Muslim taxi driver refuses to take disabled passenger with his guide dog 'because it's against his religion'
The girls cited 'religious grounds' for refusing to take part in the lessons
“Whoever doesn’t fulfill these conditions violates the law and therefore cannot be naturalized,” Wehrle said.
Swiss courts say integration comes before religion and the Federal Court in Basel uphel the passport veto.