French to Ban women covering face

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/world/3717917/Women-protest-as-French-Cabinet-gets-veil-ban-bill/

One runs her own company, another is a housewife and a third, a divorcee, raises her children by herself. Like nearly 2,000 other Muslim women who freely wear face-covering veils anywhere in France, their lives will soon change and they are worried.

On Wednesday, French Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie presented a draft law to the Cabinet banning Muslim veils that cover the face, the first formal step in a process to forbid such attire in all public places in France. It calls for euro150 ($NZ275) fines and, in some cases, citizenship classes for women who run afoul of the law.

The measure notably creates a new offense, "inciting to hide the face," and anyone convicted of forcing a woman to wear such a veil risks a year in prison and a euro15,000 ($27,477) fine, according to a copy of the text.

"Citizenship should be experienced with an uncovered face," President Nicolas Sarkozy told the Cabinet meeting, in remarks released by his office. "There can be no other solution but a ban in all public places."

Although the Interior Ministry estimates there are only 1,900 women in France who cover their faces with veils, the planned law would be another defining moment for Islam here as the nation tries to bring its Muslim population - at least 5 million, the largest in western Europe - into the mainstream, even by force of law.

The bill is to go before parliament in July, and despite the acrimonious debate that is sure to come, there is little doubt the measure will become law. Sarkozy, who says such veils oppress women, wants a law banning them on the books as soon as possible.

"If the law is voted, I won't take off my veil. ... No one will dictate my way of life" but God, said Najat, a divorcee, who gave her age as "45 plus." She was one of a half-dozen women who, in a rare move, met with reporters on Tuesday to express their worries about changes they say will impact their lives to the core.

Full articale can be viewed by the link.

Just wondering how you guys feel about it.

I am totally on board with woman rights and their freedom. But by making a law, wouldn't that violate religious rights and rights to freedom of expression?

Some of these woman actually willingly wear these veils. I feel that this is an racial discrimination move. I guess with the whole terrorism thing around the world against musilims nowadays, laws against the race can easily be passed. If it is an safety thing like how certain places (banks...) ban hats and facial covering clothing, I understand. Particularly if it is at certain major events. But an all out ban in public places? Is that neccessary. Also I don't buy into this law is about women's rights.

What you guys feel about this?

 

lol

To me it is just a racist move.