School P&C president under fire after calling for hijab ban
A Gold Coast school's Parents and Citizens association president is under fire for leading a campaign to ban children wearing hijabs.
Children from all walks of life attend Benowa State School, according to its website, but Brooke Patterson wants to make a change.
At Sunday's LNP state convention she called for a ban on children under the age of 10 wearing hijabs in all state schools.
"Otherwise within three years there will be a Muslim uniform in all state schools in Queensland," she told the LNP crowd.
A majority of LNP delegates supported the move but today at Benowa State School many parents didn't.
"If it's part of their religion, if that's their belief then I don't think it should be [banned]," one parent told 7 News.
"It should not be banned, it's a cultural thing,"Â another added.
Mrs Patterson declined an interview, and while she has gained plenty of supporters the school's principal is reportedly not one of them.
The principal told the P&C president she could not use any political position, platform or agenda to canvas community opinion on the wearing of hijabs.
"Schools are inclusive environments where all students are welcomed, regardless of their religion," Education Minister Kate Jones added.
Newsbreak - July 19
