Uzbek politician demands end to headscarf ban in passport photos
Alisher Qodirov says secularism must protect personal freedoms, including Muslim women’s right to cover hair
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — A prominent Uzbek politician has called for an end to the practice of forcing women to remove headscarves for passport photographs, framing the issue as a matter of equality and personal freedom in a secular state.
Alisher Qodirov, leader of the National Revival Democratic Party, made the remarks on his Telegram channel, arguing that Uzbekistan’s secular status “is beyond question” but should not be used to curtail personal freedoms.
The independent Times of Central Asia reported that Qodirov compared the right to wear religious attire to other personal lifestyle choices protected under law.
“A secular state allows citizens to live as they choose, as long as they do not violate the law,” Qodirov said. “Our priority is to ensure that citizens of all nationalities and beliefs can strive for prosperity without discrimination. Everyone is equal, and no one should be demeaned.”
He drew analogies to alcohol consumption, same-sex marriage, and artistic expression, arguing that citizens are entitled to make personal decisions — whether drinking beer, attending a concert, or wearing a headscarf — without interference, provided they act within the law.
Referencing a recent concert in Tashkent by U.S. pop star Jennifer Lopez, Qodirov said secularism protects both her choice to perform and a religious woman’s choice to cover her hair. “We accepted public nudity as secularism; we must also accept the right to cover up. Identification requirements demand an open face, not uncovered hair,” he stated.
He urged authorities to extend the same tolerance to devout women as to artists and entertainers, saying secularism should mean “equality for both believers and non-believers, not the strong lecturing the weak about life.”
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