Councillors furious at Ramadan regulations

by David Masters

Councillors in the East London district of Tower Hamlets have accused the council of taking a step ‘too far’ after they were told not to eat or drink in meetings during the month of Ramadan.

Tower Hamlets made the request as a sign of respect to Muslim councillors and visitors, who fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk.

The measures have been put in place to help councillors show sensitivity to those fasting.

Arrangements have been made by the council to allow Muslim councillors to leave meetings for 45 minutes at dusk so they can break their fast (iftar) and perform prayers.

However, some non-Muslim councillors are said to be furious at the arrangements, branding them ‘divisive’ and ‘going too far’.

Liberal Democrat leader at the council, Stephanie Eaton, said she was ‘disconcerted’ when she realised the measures put in place to provide for Muslims during Ramadan would apply to all councillors.

She added that non-Muslim members of the council could find the measures offensive.

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Story link: Councillors furious at Ramadan regulations

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