Ghent Mosque Association Challenges East Flanders School Headscarf Ban in High Court

Ghent Mosque Association Challenges East Flanders School Headscarf Ban in High Court
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The Association of Mosques of Ghent (VGM) has officially announced its intent to file an appeal with the Council of State, Belgium’s highest administrative court, to annul a newly reinstated ban on religious symbols in provincial schools.

According to IQNA, the legal challenge focuses on the decision made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the East Flanders provincial council. The VGM, which represents 23 mosques, argues that the provincial government bypassed mandatory legal procedures—specifically the “participation decree”—which requires meaningful consultation with all affected stakeholders.

The association claims that the survey conducted prior to the decision was flawed, citing reports that several Muslim teachers felt pressured to remain silent for fear of professional repercussions.

The ban, which prohibits students from wearing “conviction-based symbols” like the headscarf, is scheduled to take effect in the 2026–2027 academic year. Kurt Moens, the First Deputy of East Flanders, defended the move as an effort to ensure “philosophical neutrality” in public education. However, the VGM has dismissed Moens’ claims of a “broad consultation,” stating that their organization was never contacted.