DAR AL HARB - NETHERLANDS: "I WANT ANOTHER DENMARK", IN OTHER WORDS I WANT AN ISLAMIC DENMARK

Muslim woman runs for Danish parliament
By KARL RITTER

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) A Muslim woman denounced and ridiculed by nationalists for wearing an Islamic head scarf announced Friday she was running for Parliament - a move bound to rekindle heated debate about Islam in Denmark.

The next election is not expected until 2009, but the mere thought of Asama Abdol-Hamid entering the legislature has revived fears of clashing cultures that emerged last year when Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad sparked riots in Muslim countries.

Even mainstream politicians and party colleagues in the left-wing Red-Green Alliance have questioned whether Abdol-Hamid, who moved to Denmark at age 6 with her Palestinian family, shares the fundamental values of Danish society.

Besides covering her hair, the 25-year-old refuses to shake hands with men. Instead, she greets them by laying her right hand on her heart in Muslim tradition.

"I want another Denmark where we talk about the difference between groups," she said at a news conference announcing her candidacy. "When we talk about values, (we need) to be open to whatever people are, Muslim or non-Muslim."

Abdol-Hamid has repeatedly been questioned about her views on the death penalty, gender equality and gay rights - issues on which many Danes believe Islam conflicts with their values.

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