Last Hurdle For French Burqa Ban: Senate Passes Bill 246 -1

The anti-burqa law in France has overcome one last hurdle and should become law next year, barring any opposition by the courts. The lower house already voted for the ban this past summer and now, it seems, the Senate voted almost unanimously (246 to 1) to pass the bill. The law does not ban hijabs or any other headscarf, it only bans the niqab and burqa (full-face veils) and only in public. What they do in private is not an issue. Although there is no direct reference to Islam in the wording of the bill, the law has been favored as a way of protecting Muslim women from what has been considered a symbol of female oppression.

burqa france boutique 9A3II 16105

Before it is rigorously enforced, there will be a period of six months to allow women in the Muslim community who wear the niqab to become aware of the laws. This period of "education" will attempt to educate these women as to the consequences of wearing one in public, which includes a fine and possible arrest. Those who willfully break the law and wear a full face veil in public will then be fined 150 euros (£125) or forced to take lessons on French citizenship.

Any man who is believed to have forced a woman to wear a burqa faces a much harsher punishment, which includes both jail time and a hefty fine of 30,000 euros (£25,000).

Although, the number of women wearing the burqa or niqab in France isn't that high (estimated at some 2,000) that's 2,000 too many, in a Western, civilized society. These people need to learn to adapt and assimilate. And since there is no mention of the burqa or niqab in the Qu'ran there should be no problem with that. No-one is asking them to stash the hijab or head scarf, or dress immodestly. But there is no reason to be wearing a burqa anywhere in the world. It should be banned everywhere, and it seems that Europe is starting the bandwagon, as far as that's concerned.

Movements to ban the garments have gained ground across Europe. Polls in Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain have indicated widespread support.

The Belgian lower house of parliament voted in April to ban all clothing that covers or partially covers the face, but it was dissolved before a final vote could be taken.

Spain, where some towns, including Barcelona, prohibit full face veils in public buildings, is considering a national ban while a coalition ally of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is pushing for legislation to outlaw them in Italy.

It looks like France might be the first, after all. Although look for some major opposition to it when it comes to pass.

Source: Telegraph.UK