GHENT — The Ghent Mosques Association (VGM), representing 23 mosques in the city, announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that it will appeal to Belgium's Council of State to seek the annulment of a reinstated headscarf ban in provincial secondary education in East Flanders. The organization argues that procedural requirements were not properly followed during the decision-making process, citing violations of the participation decree and a lack of genuine consultation with affected communities.
In a statement reported by the Belga news agency, VGM expressed deep concern over the provincial council's approval on Wednesday of a ban on "conspicuous philosophical signs"—effectively targeting the Islamic headscarf—for students in East Flanders provincial schools, set to take effect from the 2026–2027 academic year. The association highlighted anonymous testimonies from teachers who allegedly feared sanctions for speaking out, claiming the decision-making process lacked transparency and inclusivity.
VGM criticized what it described as a "disturbing shift in the boundaries of democratic debate," pointing to a social climate where Muslim women are "structurally prevented" from freely and dignifiedly expressing their religious identity. The group rejected characterizations of headscarf opponents as leaning toward extremism, warning that freedom of expression is increasingly under pressure.
Particular ire was directed at remarks by Kurt Moens, first deputy of East Flanders, who stated during Wednesday's provincial council meeting that the "broad Muslim community" had been consulted. VGM categorically denied any such consultations occurred with the association or its member mosques, accusing authorities of misrepresenting community engagement.
The ban reverses a more inclusive policy introduced in recent years, aligning East Flanders with stricter regulations in other Flemish provinces. Proponents argue it promotes neutrality and equality in public education, while opponents view it as discriminatory against Muslim students, particularly girls who choose to wear the hijab.
This development follows similar controversies in Belgium, where headscarf bans in schools and public sectors have sparked legal battles and debates on religious freedom versus secularism. The country's constitutional court has previously ruled on related cases, often balancing individual rights with institutional neutrality.
VGM's planned appeal to the Council of State—the highest administrative court—could delay or overturn the ban if procedural flaws are proven. The participation decree requires meaningful involvement of stakeholders in education policy affecting minorities.
Broader reactions include support from human rights groups decrying the measure as stigmatizing, and backing from secular advocates praising uniformity. Muslim organizations nationwide have condemned the decision, with some calling for coordinated legal action.
As Belgium navigates multiculturalism amid rising far-right influences, the case underscores tensions between secular principles enshrined in education and protections for religious expression under European human rights law.
The provincial government defends the ban as compliant with Flemish education frameworks, emphasizing equal treatment. Implementation details, including enforcement mechanisms, remain forthcoming.
With the appeal process potentially lengthy, affected students and families face uncertainty for the upcoming years. VGM has urged solidarity, framing the issue as one of dignity and inclusion for all Belgians.
