Thursday, June 02, 2005

Baykal: I can pray and defend Ataturk at the same time

The decision on this could have ramifications for all religious groups meeting to study:

"The war of words between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and opposition party leader Deniz Baykal continues. Baykal and other Republican People's (CHP) Party members were swift to condemn changes made last week to the new Turkish Penal Code (TCK) which will lessen the punishment for those involved in running and teaching in unauthorized Koran courses."

"There are places clearly appointed for religious education in Turkey. Religious faculties, high schools, and special Koran courses sponsored by the Ministry of Religion are opened to anyone who wants. We are just against the brain washing of our little children in darkened basements." Baykal went on "Turkey was a Muslim country before Erdogan was born. And it will continue loving and respecting Ataturk, the state, and the Constitution."
Turks.US Daily News - Baykal: I can pray and defend Ataturk at the same time Daily News

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