The Independent (April 11)
Starting today, women in France may no longer wear burka or other facial coverings in public. The “burka ban,” passed last October by the French Parliament, was “seen as a defence of women’s rights and a re-statement of the liberal and secular traditions of French society.” There is, however, concern that the law might lead to unrest. Some have called it Muslim baiting. Officials are taking steps to minimize conflict. Police have been ordered not to force women to remove their coverings, but rather to forward cases to the state prosecutor. A woman may be fined €150 for wearing a burka or other facial veil.
Starting today, women in France may no longer wear burka or other facial coverings in public. The “burka ban,” passed last October by the French Parliament, was “seen as a defence of women’s rights and a re-statement of the liberal and secular traditions of French society.” There is, however, concern that the law might lead to unrest. Some have called it Muslim baiting. Officials are taking steps to minimize conflict. Police have been ordered not to force women to remove their coverings, but rather to forward cases to the state prosecutor. A woman may be fined €150 for wearing a burka or other facial veil.
