RTÉ WOULD welcome burqa clad participants on its religious shows, the station’s head of religious programming has said. Roger Childs, who oversees the station’s religious programming on both TV and radio, told Metro Éireann that Muslim women who wear the burqa – which covers the entire body except the hands and eyes – regard the garment as “part of who they are”, and a media platform would promote a “greater understanding” of why they wear it.

The editor, who previously made a film on a burqa-wearing woman for the BBC, added that such participants should not be limited to speaking about their religious wear, but on general topics affecting Irish society.

The burqa is worn by only a small proportion of Muslim women in Ireland, but has sparked controversial situations across western Europe.

Regarding television presenting Childs would have “concerns” over clarity of communication if a Muslim presenter opted for the burqa, and doubts over that person’s ability to engage a varied, contemporary audience. However, he added that he could see no problem with a Muslim woman or Sikh man, for example, wearing their respective hijabs (headscarves) and turbans in presenting roles.

Meanwhile, the editor said designating a specific programme for Muslims, or any religious faith, would be bowing to the “altar of PC” and described RTÉ as a “broadcaster, not a narrowcaster.” He said the aim was to “reflect the full diversity of religions in Ireland… in a way that engages a mainstream audience.”

Childs also pointed out that numerous religious programmes include minority faith voices including Spirit Level, Eye Witness, Does God Hate and Would You Believe, and that minorities would be “pushing an open door” in terms of seeking to engage RTÉ producers of mainstream shows.

MPAC.ie, a web-based movement of Muslims in Ireland, recently called on the national broadcaster to initiate a programme “dedicated to Muslims and presented by Muslims”.

Liam Egan of the group said RTÉ “cannot claim to be balanced, fair and inclusive and continue to promulgate a false homogeneity”, and that the suggested programme could be current affairs-themed, “viewing Irish and world issues through the eyes of Muslims”.

He said: “This would serve to break down barriers, open a public forum for dialogue and give Muslims some much needed positive representation in the media. “We’d also like to ensure that any potential presenters/ broadcasters include indigenous Irish Muslims. We’ve got to eradicate the prevalent idea that Islam is a religion for foreigners.”

Egan controversially added that it would be “wonderful” to have a burqa-clad TV or radio presenter on an Irish channel. “Muslim women in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated that burqas do not inhibit communication – they even host their own TV shows.”

As part of its campaign, MPAC.ie is also requesting that An Post consider introducing Eid celebratory stamps. “If they can print Christmas stamps for Christians, why not Eid stamps for Muslims?” he asked, adding that the US Postal Service already has a suitable prototype.“We’ll be encouraging Muslims to write to both RTÉ and An Post and we’ll also lobby the relevant government departments,” said Egan. “Admittedly it’ll be an uphill struggle. The Muslim ‘leaders’ have inculcated an indolence over the last few decades and getting people to act isn’t easy – but it’s changing and the youth seem more inclined”.

“I guess that’s MPAC.ie’s message. It’s only by active participation that we’ll bring about the changes we want.” Egan concluded that MPAC.ie, is a “virtual movement whose presence is web based”. No membership figures were available.

According to the 2006 census, there are officially over 30,000 Muslims in Ireland, although community sources suggest the true number is significantly higher.

As regards religious head garments such as hijabs and turbans being potentially worn by its presenters, an RTÉ spokesperson commented: “No issue along these lines has arisen as yet in terms of on-air presenter preferences and any such issue if arising will be considered appropriately.”

The spokesperson added that RTÉ “aims to make programmes for a mainstream audience, which reflect the lives, beliefs and practices of people of all faiths. ” She concluded that Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, commissioning editor for Irish Language, Multiculture and Education is currently seeking “new faces and programme proposals” for diversity programming.

Source: Metro Eireann (print edition)