Exercise Centre Prayer Ban Not Discrimination
The Ombudsman for Minorities, Eva Biaudet, issued a statement Monday to the effect that a ban on prayer by an exercise centre in Espoo was not a violation of the law on equality. In August of this year, the centre posted a notice requesting clients not to pray in its facilities.
The Ombudsman for Minorities investigated claims that the action by the centre was a violation of the prohibition on discrimination against ethnic minorities.
The note posted at the exercise centre requested clients to refrain from eating and from praying in the facility.
Biaudet met with the centre's management and members of the Muslim community in Espoo. She was told by Muslim representatives that they did not consider the centre as a suitable site for prayer.
In her statement on the matter, the Ombudsman noted that the request was reasonably worded and not discriminatory.
A nearby library provided a screened-off section of its rooms during August-September for use by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. Two complaints about the action were filed with Parliamentary Ombudsman Petri Jääskeläinen, who oversees how public authorities and officials observe the law. So far, he has not issued a decision in the matter.
Also, nine Espoo city councillors have demanded that religious practices be kept separate from public services.
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