Switzerland (Le Temps, Fre) – An exempt requested by a Muslim parent in Schaffhouse, who wants to keep his sons from a mandatory co-ed school swimming class on the basis of religion, has been turned down by a Swiss Federal Tribunal in a landmark case.
The man who claims his religion prevents his sons from the class because boys and girls swim together, first brought his complaint to the Cantonal court. His request was then turned down on the need to promote gender equality and integration in school.
The case went on to the Second Court of the Swiss Federal Tribunal. Thirteen years ago, the high court granted a Muslim girl the right to be excused from her co-ed swimming class based on the freedom of religion, but the court has decided it is time to change its case law.
Le Temps cites today’s decision is based on changing Swiss demographics. The article quotes Judge Thomas Merkli saying this is not a decision against Muslim students but towards a cohesive school system.
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News story, GenevaLunch, 24 October 2008.
Filed under: Society
Tags: mandatory co-ed swimming, Muslim students, Muslim students Switzerland, religion Switzerland, Swiss Federal Tribunal