Ruling party submits charter changes on headscarf to Turkey parliament

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The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) submitted on December 9 a constitutional amendment proposal to the parliament on the use of headscarf in public and private spheres.

336 lawmakers signed the proposal submitted to the parliament, Özlem Zengin, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the AKP, said at a press conference.

The amendments are related to the freedom of religion and conscience and protection of the family and children’s rights, respectively; they were supported by the Great Union Party (BBP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and they seek freedom for women who prefer to keep their head covered or uncovered, according to Zengin who added that their proposal mentions that a woman will on her own decide on her clothes.

A woman can decide whether or not she wants her head to be covered with a scarf, Zengin noted, while the other amendment is about the family structure.

“Although it is stated in the civil code, we will also include in the constitution the statement that the union of marriage is a legal institution between a woman and a man.”

“What brought us here is the strengthening of civic politics. This has happened with the acumen of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. For us, this issue is a reality. This is the most basic fact of our life. With the loss of power of tutelage over time, these prohibitions have been alleviated over time,” she said.

Bans on headscarf have actually eased since 2013 in Turkey, she noted.

“Actually, we don’t need any amendment. While there is no such thing for uncovered women, why would it be for women with headscarves,” the lawmaker said.

“Being covered or uncovered is a right above the constitution. If we are going to guarantee this, it will be with the constitution. What is guaranteed by law changes by law,” Zengin stated, adding that such amendments aim to “underline an assurance” for society.

To amend the constitution, at least 400 votes out of 600 lawmakers are required. Votes between 360 and 400 will take the amendments to referendum.

The AKP and its supporters, MHP and BBP, do not have enough majority to take the amendments to a referendum, as they need at least 26 more votes.

It is worth noting that this move came after Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu proposed in October legal changes to remove obstacles to using the headscarf in public.

Turkey to adopt new constitution in 2023: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged on October 28 a reshuffle to the constitution in 2023 when the country celebrates a century since the republic's founding by Kemal Ataturk.

"We are determined to adopt a new constitution in time for the 100th anniversary of the Republic. It is the basic law of our people," he said.

The Turkish president said his country's constitution, which has been in place for four decades, was outdated and could not longer keep up with the times, suggesting that all political forces participate in the drafting process.

The last amendment to the Turkish constitution took place in 2017 following a referendum that expanded Erdogan's executive powers.