A pair of Christian hoteliers in Lancashire who argued with a Muslim guest at the breakfast table have been charged with a religiously-aggravated offence. Dutch-born Ben Vogelenzang said that Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was a warlord, while his wife Sharon, 54, described the hijab as a form of bondage, it is claimed.
The incident happened in March when the unnamed guest, who was staying at the hotel while being treated at a nearby hospital, came down to breakfast wearing a hijab, a traditional Muslim headdress covering the hair.
The couple had never seen her wear the religious clothing before and a discussion ensued. The guest complained to police and the couple were charged under the 1986 Public Order Act - with using “threatening, abusive or insulting words” which were “religiously aggravated”.
They will stand trial at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on December 8.
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