Italian MEP Slams EU's Promotion of the 'Islamic Veil' and their 'Submission to Islam' (Wideo)

Brussels, September 13, 2023 – In a passionate and hard-hitting address before the European Parliament, Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Silvia Sardone, representing the conservative Lega Party and serving as a city councilor in Milan, delivered a resounding condemnation of the European Union’s stance on the Islamic veil. Her impassioned speech in the parliamentary chambers accused the EU of hypocrisy in its support for Iranian women while endorsing the hijab, sparking a profound debate on the intersection of Islam and women’s rights.

Sardone’s campaign against the EU’s position on the Islamic veil began with a parliamentary question on August 31, 2023, addressed to the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. In her inquiry, she posed critical questions about the precise usage of headscarf imagery in EU communications, the potential counter-productivity of promoting the hijab in Europe, and France’s recent decision to ban the abaya in schools.

During her powerful address to the European Parliament, Sardone minced no words in denouncing the Islamic veil as a tool of subjugation rather than a symbol of freedom. She questioned the EU’s commitment to women’s rights, highlighting the deep-seated contradiction between its vocal support for Iranian women protesting compulsory hijab laws and its positive portrayal of the hijab in various official communications and on social media platforms.

Sardone’s speech cataloged instances where the European Union seemingly promoted the hijab, including during significant events and campaigns such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, youth-focused initiatives, environmental efforts, Human Rights Day, Gender Equality programs, and Anti-Homophobia Day. Her assertion that Europe has portrayed the hijab positively during these occasions raised critical questions about the EU’s stance on the issue.

The core of Sardone’s criticism revolved around Europe’s submission to Islam, as evidenced by its endorsement of the sharia-compliant Islamic veil. She argued that the European Union’s actions contradicted its stated commitment to support the protests of Iranian women who risk their lives challenging the compulsory wearing of the hijab in their country. To Sardone, it is unacceptable that Europe presents a positive image of the hijab, even in official communications and on social media platforms.

Furthermore, Silvia Sardone’s speech underscored the profound implications of the hijab on women’s lives and their pursuit of equality and autonomy. She highlighted the fundamental conflict between the European Union’s interpretation of the Islamic veil as an instrument of integration and diversity and her conviction that it is an oppressive symbol. She argued that the EU’s position disregarded the struggles of countless women who wished to exercise their freedom not to wear the hijab, preferring to dress as they choose, pursue their desires, love, and marry whomever they wish. She contended that the Islamic veil is not a symbol of freedom but rather one of submission, challenging the prevailing left-wing narrative.

In closing, MEP Silvia Sardone issued a powerful call to action: “No to the Islamic veil.” This concise yet profound declaration encapsulated her unwavering stance against the promotion of the hijab in Europe, emphasizing her belief that it hinders the freedom and autonomy of women. She urged the European Union to reconsider its position and declared, “Today, more than ever, it must be reiterated that the Islamic veil is not a symbol of freedom but submission. No to the Islamic veil.”