France Moves to Ban Burkas

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»

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»

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»

(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. More»

Measure still faces review by nation's constitutional judges

(NEWSER) - The French Senate voted near-unanimously to ban wearing burka-style Islamic veils in public today, the BBC reports. The measure must still past muster with the country's Constitutional Council, but unless those judges raise objections, it will become law in 6 months. The Senate confirmed the measure by a vote of 246 to 1, following passage in the lower house. It affects about 2,000 women, notes AP . Critics call it another example of Islamophobia, and for more on that phenomenon, click here . More»