French Parliament Debates Burqa Ban

[ThetaPrincess24]

I have mixed feelings on the issue. On one hand I could see where covering your whole face may be an issue at the driver's license office where you have to have a photo ID, or at a bank (similar to why we cant wear hoods or sunglasses, etc into one here), but I dont see what the big deal is with wearing a face veil if you are simply walking around in public, shopping, etc.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

I have mixed feelings on the issue. On one hand I could see where covering your whole face may be an issue at the driver's license office where you have to have a photo ID, or at a bank (similar to why we cant wear hoods or sunglasses, etc into one here), but I dont see what the big deal is with wearing a face veil if you are simply walking around in public, shopping, etc.

In European countries, don't they make a lot more use of CCD cameras and facial recognition software to track people? Might this be more a national security issue than a religious freedom issue?

It'll be interesting to see what the EU Human Rights courts do about this. They recently ruled that internet use is a fundamental human right... I don't think France's ban stands much of a chance.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by Kevin

In European countries, don't they make a lot more use of CCD cameras and facial recognition software to track people? Might this be more a national security issue than a religious freedom issue?

That might be the spin, but sunglasses, motorcycle helmets, etc. aren't banned, are they?

Indeed, given France's recent history of rioting, government interference, and (some would argue) institutional racism, "national security" doesn't really pass the smell test.

While I understand that other religious symbols like rosaries or yarmulkes don't have any real recent history of being 'forced' upon individuals, the fact that only one religious practice is being targeted this explicitly seems to speak for itself. I'm surprised that the notion that the banning is being done under the guise of "protecting" women hasn't drawn more ire, too.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

That might be the spin, but sunglasses, motorcycle helmets, etc. aren't banned, are they?

Indeed, given France's recent history of rioting, government interference, and (some would argue) institutional racism, "national security" doesn't really pass the smell test.

While I understand that other religious symbols like rosaries or yarmulkes don't have any real recent history of being 'forced' upon individuals, the fact that only one religious practice is being targeted this explicitly seems to speak for itself. I'm surprised that the notion that the banning is being done under the guise of "protecting" women hasn't drawn more ire, too.

Actually school kids (and possibly teachers?) can't wear religious jewelry or paraphenalia in France either. Unless it's something that's tucked under a shirt. No skullcaps, turbans, head scarves, etc. But yes this is unique as far as "being in public" being the standard.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by ThetaPrincess24

I have mixed feelings on the issue. On one hand I could see where covering your whole face may be an issue at the driver's license office where you have to have a photo ID, or at a bank (similar to why we cant wear hoods or sunglasses, etc into one here), but I dont see what the big deal is with wearing a face veil if you are simply walking around in public, shopping, etc.

This reminds me of stores putting up "No wearing of masks inside" signs on Halloween.

BTW
Didn't this whole thing in France get started because a lady refused to take off her headdress for her Gov ID picture?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

This reminds me of stores putting up "No wearing of masks inside" signs on Halloween.

BTW
Didn't this whole thing in France get started because a lady refused to take off her headdress for her Gov ID picture?

Anti-Muslim sentiment in France has existed since at least the Battle of Tours.