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France Considers Burka Ban

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2009 11:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – France’s parliament is making noises about banning head-to-toe Islamic women’s dress such as the burka and niqab, the Times of London reports. Opponents called the the dress “a moving prison” and a “tomb," and say it's cropping up more in big cities. If the burka is “contrary to republican principles,” a minister said, “naturally parliament would have to draw the necessary conclusions.” The nation banned headscarves from public schools a few years ago after a controversial debate.

Women wearing the niqab in Cairo. (AP Photo)

A woman covered with a burka. (AP Photo)

Two women, one wearing the niqab walk side by side in the Belsunce district of downtown Marseille, central France. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 49 comments

hervejaubert

Apr 30, 2010 5:31 PM CDT

The burka helps evade police and hide, I myself used the burka to hide and live in clandestinity, and to cover my frogman gear when I escaped from Dubai.

hervejaubert

Apr 30, 2010 5:26 PM CDT

The burka helps evade police and hide, I myself used the burka to hide and live in clandestinity, and to cover my frogman gear when I escaped from Dubai.

Bubblebee

Jun 22, 2009 10:54 AM CDT

Take away one freedom for another. That just doesn't make since to me. People should be allowed not forced to wear anything they like. My husband doesn't like for me to wear certain things in my closet so I don't. How is that any different than what these women are doing. On the other hand I'm sure some women are forced to wear them instead of asked to wear them... And of course I don't believe that is right.

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Times (UK) (Source Grid »)

World • Politics

Nicolas Sarkozy • France • French Parliament • Islamic dress code • niqab • Muslim women • burka • President Obama • French Muslims

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Sarkozy Pushes for Burka Ban

But it's 'essential that no one felt stigmatized,' says French prez

(NEWSER) - Nicolas Sarkozy restated his support for a ban on the wearing of burkas in his country in a New Year's address today—while stressing that any decision should await the results of a parliamentary inquiry on the subject, which are expected later this month. While Sarkozy’s own party is advocating swift movement on a total ban, the Guardian reports the inquiry is likely to recommend a partial ban that applies to state buildings like post offices. More»

Burka Is 'Not Welcome' in France: Sarkozy

Prez says religious covering a sign of female 'subservience'

(NEWSER) - Nicolas Sarkozy today spoke out strongly against Islamic coverings for women, like the burka, the BBC reports. In a rare speech to parliament, which is considering a ban, the French president said, “we cannot accept to have in our country women who are prisoners behind netting. … The burka is not a sign of religion, it is a sign of subservience. It will not be welcome on the territory of the French republic.” More»

France Blinks in Burka Ban

Panel urges full veils barred in public facilities

(NEWSER) - The French government appears to be backing down a tad in the great burka ban controversy. While President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a total ban on full Muslim veils, which he considers a sign of "debasement," a French government committee is recommending that burkas or nijabs be banned only in public facilities and on public transit. Women wearing veils wouldn't be fined, but would be denied access to facilities such as schools, hospitals and the metro. A total ban would be unenforceable and would "make everyone look ridiculous," said a committee member. More»

France Moves to Ban Burkas

Sarkozy's party introduces bill to bar face-covering veils

(NEWSER) - Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling party has introduced a bill to outlaw the wearing of full-length Islamic veils in public places. Burkas and all-covering niqabs will be banned under the bill, which would fine women who fully cover their face in public, the Christian Science Monitor reports. More»

2 Arrested Under France's Burka Ban

Meanwhile, some women stay home

(NEWSER) - Hours after France enacted its new burka ban today, two women wearing the full face veils were arrested. Several others who were protesting the new law in front of Paris's Notre Dame cathedral were also arrested after police attempted to break up the unauthorized protest, the Telegraph reports. Women face a $200 fine for "concealing the face in a public space," while men who force women to cover their faces are in for a $43,000 fine, reports ABC News . More»

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France Considers Burka Ban

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Nicolas Sarkozy • France • French Parliament • Islamic dress code • niqab • Muslim women • burka • President Obama • French Muslims

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Sarkozy Pushes for Burka Ban

But it's 'essential that no one felt stigmatized,' says French prez

Burka Is 'Not Welcome' in France: Sarkozy

Prez says religious covering a sign of female 'subservience'

France Blinks in Burka Ban

Panel urges full veils barred in public facilities

France Moves to Ban Burkas

Sarkozy's party introduces bill to bar face-covering veils

2 Arrested Under France's Burka Ban

Meanwhile, some women stay home

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nicolas Sarkozy • France • French Parliament • Islamic dress code • niqab • Muslim women • burka • President Obama • French Muslims

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sarkozy Pushes for Burka Ban

But it's 'essential that no one felt stigmatized,' says French prez

Burka Is 'Not Welcome' in France: Sarkozy

Prez says religious covering a sign of female 'subservience'

France Blinks in Burka Ban

Panel urges full veils barred in public facilities

France Moves to Ban Burkas

Sarkozy's party introduces bill to bar face-covering veils

2 Arrested Under France's Burka Ban

Meanwhile, some women stay home

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Newser By Users

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