Senate votes to pass Burqa ban in France

On Sept. 14, the French Senate voted 246 to one to pass a bill prohibiting Muslim women from wearing Burqas or full-face veils. The government cites women’s rights and secularism as reasons for the law. According to Mondialism online, 2000 women in France wear the burqa.

According to a survey by Pew Global Attitudes Project, three out of four French people support the ban. Many see it as a women’s rights concern. Last year, Fadela Amara, Minister for Urban Renewal and a supporter of Muslim women’s rights, called the burqa a “coffin which kills the fundamental rights of women", reported Mondialisme online.

The hijab or islamic headscarf, along with other religious symbols, were banned from French schools and public buildings in 2004. There is a concern that dispute over the burqa issue has added to racial and religious tensions.

According to the British online newspaper The Independent, around four to five million people make up the Muslim community in France.

The Council of Europe and Amnesty International do not support the law, nor does Britain's coalition government, according to Jurist Online. They see the ban as a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and religion.

Women seen wearing the burqa will pay a fine of 150 Euro or be asked to attend citizenship classes. Those convicted of forcing a woman to wear the veil will be fined 15 000 Euro and one year in prison. Enforcement of the new law will begin next spring.