15 August 2007

RIJSWIJK – The support committee for ex-Muslims has sent a letter to some 50 politicians, academics, journalists and writers asking them to sign a declaration of support on the freedom of religion. The faction leaders in Parliament are among those who have received the letter.

The support committee will announce in mid-September who has signed the declaration.

The support committee says the declaration is a "message from society," from people who stand up for the right to free choice with regard to religion. The committee points out that this right, one of the fundaments of Dutch society, is under heavy pressure. Moreover the declaration will show ex-Muslims that various prominent Dutch people support them.

The support committee tried to achieve a balanced reflection of society in the approximately 50 Dutch people it has approached: the left and the right are represented, as are religious and non-religious people, Muslims and non-Muslims.

Journalist Michiel Hegener is chairman of the committee. Its members include political scientist Jos de Beus, editor in chief of Opzij Cisca Dresselhuys, writer Nahed Selim and journalist Theodor Holman.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news