Imagine being an Islamic woman and receiving a fine for wearing your traditional full body and face attire in public. Sound bizarre? Well if you are a Muslim woman in France this may very well be your future.
A 335 to 1 decision of the French House of Parliament has found the traditional burqa (covers body and part of face) and niqab (covers face but not eyes)* worn by Islamic women to be unlawful apparel. This decision is backed by 82% of supportive French citizens who are in agreement with the anticipated new law. However, before this proposal is to offically become law, it must first be approved by the French Senate.
"Given the damage it produces on those rules which allow the life in community, ensure the dignity of the person and equality between sexes," said the French government, "this practice, even if it is voluntary, cannot be tolerated in any public place."
According to Amnesty International, if put into law, this ban will be a violation of freedom of expression rights, as the burqa and niqab are an expression of Islamic women's beliefs. The French Council of the State has also spoken out warning the French government that this ban may conflict with the French constitution and international human rights.
Only about 6% or 3.5 million people in France are Muslim, according to data gathered by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.** With such a small population of Muslims in France, it is probable that any attempt made by the French Islamic community to fight the passing of this law, will fail.
Since the French government (Parliament and Senate) have no obligation to listen to Amnesty International or the French Council of State, it is likely that French Islam will soon have a drastic change of face. Should a woman be found wearing illegal clothing in public, she will be fined 150 Euros or $190 American dollars. If anyone is found forcing a woman to wear such clothing, which the French government states is a form of enslavement, they will be fined 15,000 Euros or $19,000 American dollars.
There has been little to no known comments from the French Islamic community…
Is this ban really necessary? Should it be considered a violation of human rights? Should Muslims across the nation, particularly in America, fight this proposed ban? What do you think?
~Mz.Jonezy
*the hijab, which covers the hair and neck as well as the chador which covers only the body, will still be allowed.
**France does not keep count of the religious beliefs of their citizens in an effort to remain secular
