A VEILED Muslim woman will take to our TV sets this December offering an alternative Christmas speech by Channel 4.
Khadija, a freelance teacher and lecturer in Islamic studies and the Koran, will appear on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, the broadcaster has announced.
Born in Zimbabwe she is a British citizen who has been wearing the niqab for 10 years.
The right to wear religious symbols from niqabs to crucifixes, remarks made by the Pope about Islam and the publication of Danish cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed have all generated a debate about multiculturalism, secularism and integration.
The broadcaster said more details about this year’s speech will be released nearer to the time.
Beginning in 1993, Channel 4’s traditional counterpoint to The Queen’s Christmas Day 3pm broadcast has previously featured an illustrious and varied selection of presenters including Quentin Crisp, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, Ali G, Sharon Osbourne and The Simpsons.
