http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/world/europe/12france.html?ref=europe
After months of debate, France legally banned its citizens from wearing veils that cover their entire face in public. Muslim citizens feel betrayed since they wear veils as a religious obligation and as a sign of their devotion to God. Fines or citizen lessons are assigned as a consequence for breaking the law. The law will definitely be difficult to enforce and probably wont be enforced very often, and there is fear that the law may create riots within Muslim communities if it isn't supported by religious authorities.
French authorities say that the law is in place for the sake of public security, liberty and equality. It doesn't mention Islam, but Muslim radicalism may spread and threaten the French republic in outrage. There are about 6 million Muslim immigrants in France, thousands of which wear veils. They are likely to ignore the law even though they are now feeling the tension of being looked as "criminals" by other citizens. A protest against the ban was held in Paris that ended in the arrests of two men and three women for an "illegal gathering".
Harleen Singh
(Ryan 1:00-1:50 Fridays)
I personally believe that wearing the veils should not be banned. If France would like equality, they should allow for freedom religion, like here in the United States. It is a part of their religion to wear the veil and should not be something that needs to be discussed. Banning the veil is like banning Muslims from practicing and embracing their religion. To me, it seems very harsh of France.
ReplyDeleteRadha Oza
Armel (1-1:50)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLegal bans that affect religious values is too tricky but sometimes has to be dealt with. It is very unfortunate that some people end up feeling betrayed, but the concern about wearing the veil that covers the entire face is one that has been negotiated upon for quite some time. As long as laws aren't making people inferior in any way and / or killing people, I think they are legitimate and productive. It is ridiculous that our world has too many issues with minute concerns, such as wearing a veil in public settings, but it's the world we live in. So we must adapt and get used to certain, harmless laws.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Khalifeh
Armel (1-1:50)
This issue could be hard one to take a stance on either side. On one end I feel that it is wrong of the French authorities to take away a religious practice that is held as being an important part of their devotion to God. But I do however see that the French authorities are only trying to keeping the public on a whole safe and are using any measures to do so.
ReplyDeleteTara Koch
Ryan (11-1150)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOn what basis is France stating that they are banning head covers for the sake of public security, liberty and equality? All they can base it on is speculation. Furthermore, aren't they contradicting themselves by saying that the ban is for the sake of public security, liberty and equality? By this law, France is stripping the Muslim residence of their security, liberty, and equality.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to bring church and state to work together at times. Using force to control either one is a very fine line and a dangerous line to cross without much precaution.
Danbee Paek
Armel 10am
In banning all religious articles from being worn in public, among them and especially the veil, France certainly does seem quite xenophobic, as mentioned in class, but the same could be said of the United States. Not too long ago when a mosque was to be built in New York City close to the site of 9/11 many lashed out against its construction. Their reasoning being that it was disrespectful but the occurrence of 9/11 can not be blamed on a single mosque, religion or people. I don't believe that the French government has the authority to enforce such a law but their reasoning is understandable but their intentions do not mean well.
ReplyDeleteMaria Macias
Armel 1pm
It is so interesting to think that years ago this was not a major issue and now it has turned into something so controversial. The extremists and terrorists are not the religion and others who practice should not be punished for their negative actions.
ReplyDeleteRita Shabo
Ryan 1pm
I would be interested to see how this law will be enforced and what the police would do if someone wore the veil in public. It seems ridiculous the someone would get punished or sent to prison for wearing an item of clothing.
ReplyDeleteIpek Hacioglu (Ryan @ 11 am)
I am also curious how they can base it off of liberty and equality. Adding those words make it seem like they are trying to justify the reason they are really doing it in the first place. It will be interesting to see how it is enforced and if any other country adopts this ban.
ReplyDeleteMartha Dean
This argument is very tricky, and I've changed my stance on it several times.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I argued for feminism and for the rights of women to choose to wear whatever they want. I argued that women who were "forced" by their religion to cover up their faces was unfair but I have since spoken to several Muslim women who are in support of the veil so I don't know.
Second, what if the veil was a fashion trend? Would the French government have a great interest in it then, or is only an issue because it is a religious attire.
Do you ever for see the French government banning Catholic rosaries in public because they are offensive or anything like that?!
Religion. is a very tricky (goofy) issue
Selorm Nkpe
Ryan 1pm