The wearing of the niqab has been hotly debated
|
A veiled Muslim woman will deliver this year's alternative Christmas speech on Channel 4, the broadcaster has said.
Khadija, a Zimbabwean-born British citizen who has been wearing the full veil - or niqab - for 10 years, has been given the slot.
The message will reflect a year in which the wearing of religious clothing and symbols have "dominated the news agenda", said a Channel 4 spokesman.
A counterpoint to the Queen's Christmas speech first appeared on C4 in 1993.
The spokesman added that the specific contents of the message would be released closer to Christmas Day.
Covering up
Previous presenters have included Sharon Osbourne, Ali G, The Simpsons, the Rev Jesse Jackson and the late Quentin Crisp.
Khadija is a freelance lecturer in Islamic studies and the Koran.
The right to wear the niqab made the headlines earlier this year when the Leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, said that it hindered communication.
The niqab - Arabic for "full veil" - means covering up completely, including gloves and a face covering which leaves just a slit for the eyes.
Channel 4's spokesman also said that the controversy has "generated a debate about multiculturalism, secularism and integration - a debate in which British Muslims have played a key role and one that will shape the future of British society".
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~40~RS~)
BBC News 24
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Future tense
Evanomics
Faces of the year