Political decisions and religious concerns

The Muslim Veil debate in France

The separation between church and state is already mentioned in the law, and socialists believe there is no need for such drastic measures that could damage future relations between France and Muslim states. Whatever the result of further debates will be, a ban is indeed envisaged by the end of the year, conceivably with a more moderate tone


By ROXANA CIUPARIU (roxana.ciupariu@wavemagazine.net)
from Bucharest, ROMANIA


Starting 2004 France has debated and took up decisions regarding certain forms of religious manifestation in its public establishments, such as schools and universities. In this context, the burqa (sometimes called burka), the extreme-covering scarf used by Muslim women to hide all but their eyes, has started to be forbidden in public places, beginning with educational institutions.

The full ban of veils in France

At the end of January 2010 the Parliament was divided over the decision of full banning of the Muslim veil (niqab in France) in more public spaces, such as civic transportation, hospitals and governmental offices.

The 650-pages report had to be debated at Parliament level and the French officials will have to decide if to adopt it or not. However, the voice of the socialists rose during discussions in Parliament, stating that some of the restrictions are too strict and should be limited, for different political and social reasons. The separation between church and state is already mentioned in the law, and socialists believe there is no need for such drastic measures that could damage future relations between France and Muslim states. Whatever the result of further debates will be, a ban is indeed envisaged by the end of the year, conceivably with a more moderate tone, reports Boston.com.

The reaction comes from fear of the development of a more conservatory type of Islamism in France, and, from the perception of a violation of women's rights. The French President Nicholas Sarkozy is a supporter of the ban - "The veil is not welcome in France because it is contrary to our values and contrary to the ideals we have of a woman's dignity".

The ban, reactions and future prospects

Since 2004 the (extreme) veil has been banned in public establishments in France, such as schools and universities, as well as when taking a picture or when undergoing any public and security-related activity. This action was faced with criticism first by the Muslim community formed of five million inhabitants, followed by certain lawyers and activists on Muslim rights. Even Muslim women protested for the right to decide what to wear in public.

Generally speaking, people are mostly against the using of veil, a view that was associated with the fear of Muslims as terrorists, especially after 9/11, opinion polls suggest on BBC. The reaction of the French towards their biggest minority is mainly one of fear, but that is not all. Many people, especially human rights activists, fighting for gender equality, consider that women should have the right to decide whether or not to use the veil, while the usage of it is mostly correlated to subordination to their husbands, and, therefore no freedom of decision.

Criticism on the ban came mainly from the Muslim community. Some Muslim said that the veil does not infringe upon the rights of women, but that the state does so by not leaving them the possibility of exercising their rights and freedoms. Furthermore, the 750€ fee women will suppose to pay if not complying with the law, is perceived as being not reasonable. Not all Muslim impose the use of veil, but the belief is that a passing of a stricter rule, especially since it will leave women with a veil without certain benefits if not conforming, will bring a strong feeling of rejection from many people in the French Muslim community.

Nonetheless, as New York Times says, no decision or legislation-voting on the proposal is expected until the regional elections in March 2010, which means more time for debating.



(Published: 10.03.2010.)