Veil-wearing Muslim woman backs out of Channel 4 alternative to Queen's message
By Richard Alleyne
A muslim woman who was due to deliver Channel 4's alternative Christmas message wearing a full veil backed out yesterday after criticism from inside and outside her community.
Earlier this month, Khadija Ravat agreed to front the six-minute slot that is broadcast as the Queen delivers her own thoughts on Christmas Day. She said she wanted to argue that women should have the right to cover their faces if they choose. Yesterday, however, after talks with the producers, the part-time primary school teacher from Leicester told Channel 4 that she could not go through with the project.
In a statement, she said that it was the unexpected publicity around her decision that made her change her mind.
But a source close to the programme makers said one of the reasons was that she had been pressurised by senior members of the community who felt it was not her place to talk about Islam. It has also been said that she had received threatening letters from non-Muslims accusing her of trying to upstage the Queen.
In a statement released through the television channel, she said: "My initial thoughts about the programme were that it would be a fantastic opportunity to do something positive and to convey a warm message for everyone to share.
"However, after careful consideration, I have decided not to appear on the programme. "I have no doubt that Channel 4 will continue with its inquiring and sensitive approach on issues relating to Muslims in Britain." Last night she refused to elaborate on her decision at her home.
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1) Veil-wearing Muslim woman backs out of Channel 4 alternative to Queen's message
2) Original post can be found here
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