France considering ban on burqas, spokesman says

reuters ^ | June 20, 2009

[george76]

FRANCE may introduce a law banning full burqas if a parliamentary commission finds the growing number of women wearing them have been coerced into doing so.

Nearly 60 legislators signed a proposal on Wednesday calling for a parliamentary commission to look into the spread of the burqa in France, a garment that they said amounted "to a breach of individual freedoms on our national territory".

France, home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, is strongly attached to its secular values and to gender equality, and many see the burqa, which covers the wearer from head to toe and hides her face, as an infringement of women's rights and is increasingly being imposed by fundamentalists.

The country has been divided by fierce debates about how to reconcile those principles with religious freedom.

President Nicolas Sarkozy has not yet spoken on the subject but promised to address the issue in a speech on Monday to members of parliament.

[Dr. Sivana]

Europe still hasn’t figured out that freedom thing.

Agreed. Besides, either the definition of burqa will be so narrow that slight modifications would bring into "compliance" or it would be so broad that traditional Catholic nuns (and France still has a few) would also be told to abandon their habit.

In any event, after putting up with slutty clothing on women everywhere, setting a bad example for my children, I am unwilling to allow laws that prohibit people from wearing clothing based on it covering too much, possibly making an exception for faces for transactions with banks and drivers license photos, and that's about it.

The government that is allowed to dictate such things will be allowed to dictate almost anything.

[Daffynition]

[brytlea]

I would be really curious to see what would happen if they did outlaw it.

[the anti-liberal]

I'm confused. Didn't 0 recently say something in its Cairo speech about how muslim women choose to wear the burkha?

It wasn't wrong now, was it? Isn't it something like a god, or something?

[rawhide]

I was thinking the same thing. What if a women freely chooses to wear a burqa? Doesn’t France have freedom of religion and freedom of expression. As much as I see the burqa a sign of oppression for women, I’m not sure passing law outlawing it is appropriate?

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Can we trade Obama to France for Sarkozy?

[NordP]

While they are at it, could they ban “speedos” too? (just a thought)

[B-Chan]

Vive la France!

[Frantzie]

Well the French do not elect Muslims to run their country. Also you will see loads of burquas in Seattle and other American libtard cities. The Europeans are also closer to the middle east then we are. In some ways they are showing more guts.

[B-Chan]

Freedom is important, but it is not the greatest good. Individual liberty is less important than the survival of the nation.

[americanophile]

I don't think they're showing more guts, its a desperate measure in response to self-inflict wound. I support is however; better late than never. I wish the best for France, it's a magnificent country with a fabulous history...I fear the worst however.

[keats5]

But the Muslims will leave.

Oh, I get it.

[ex91B10]

Islam is not a religion; it’s a system of law.

[BigEdLB]

Based on his response to the Iran problem, and this article, Ol’ Sarko is really proves he has more leadership in his pinky finger, here & now, than HOLY MAN has known in his entire life...

[DogBarkTree]

I think the mingers should stay covered up.

[MrB]

Considering the birth rates,

Muslims will be democratically elected
and implement Europian Sharia Law through the legislative process,
within 20 yrs.

[OneHun]

Correct move!

".. breach of individual freedoms on our national territory"...

France has to preserve their national and cultural heritage.  It is their country; it is their rule.   No westerner woman walking around in shorts in Saudi Arabia. 

[Oldpuppymax]

You mean the French might actually begin to stand up for themselves? Nah. I’ll have to see it to believe it.

[Julia H.]

Well said.

[rjsimmon]

You raise an excellent point, one that must keep public safety in mind, while allowing for facial recognition. The ultimate answer after safety would be, if the Moslems do not like 'uncovering' their women, they can march their sorry back sides back to Islam.

Viva Martel!