West Midlands Police Ramadan Fast Sparks Row

Voluntary fasting during Ramadan – in which even non-Muslim officers from West Midlands Police can participate – has sparked a political controversy in Britain.

The Muslim Police Association is organizing the initiative as an expression of solidarity and to support charitable projects, while police leaders say it helps officers better understand the religious traditions of the local Muslim community.

Critics, including opposition Conservative politicians, argue that the police should remain religiously neutral and refrain from encouraging officers to take part in religious observances.

West Midlands Police rejected the criticism, saying participation in the one-day fast is voluntary and that similar initiatives are arranged by other organizations.

(telegraph)