The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) welcomes the assurance given by Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson that judges are sensitive to the Bill of Rights provisions against discrimination and that the barring of a woman wearing the hijab in the public gallery of the Hastings District Court last week was the result of a genuine misunderstanding by the presiding judge.

The Federation issued the following statement.

Members of New Zealand’s Muslim community were disturbed at the treatment received by Yasmeen Ali and are pleased that it was not indicative of any change in official policy which recognises the right of people to wear religious head coverings without interfering with the right to a fair trial. We commend Yasmeen Ali for having had the courage to raise the matter publicly, and acknowledge the role of the Race Relations Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission in having the matter clarified. The assurance from the Chief Judge gives us confidence that there will not be any further such occurrence.

We are pleased that the principle has been reaffirmed and that the judge concerned has indicated that he acted in error. FIANZ will be working with Race Relations Commissioner and the Judiciary to promote the understanding of Islamic culture within the court systems.