The Burqa in France
Right now, in 2010, there is an estimated 5 million or more Muslims living in France. But of those 5 million Muslims it is approximated that only about 2,000 of the Muslim women still wear the traditional Muslim full face veil known as the Burqa.
For those of you that don't know, the Burqa is known as a full enveloping outer garment. Worn by Muslim women, over everyday clothes (usually a long dress), to hide their bodies from any man that is not directly related to them or their husband.
For some reason the French Republic is very alarmed with this custom. The fractious politicians have come together to fight the wearing of the Burqa. But of course the Muslim women who wear the Burqa are a minority in the country, so the majority will win.
The National Assembly in France came together in a meeting on July 13, 2010 and passed a ban on the Burqa. Stating that no one can wear clothing of any kind that is intended to hide the face in a public space. The draft bill did pass with a staggering 335 to 1. The Senate is to meet and vote on the bill as well in September sometime. Of course this bill will have to go through many channels to see if it is unconstitutional, so the Council of State and the European Court of Human Rights will also have a say in this bill.
There are many critics of the Burqa in France, and they state that wearing the full face veil is oppressing the Muslim women. Of course the term "public space" means places such as the street, businesses, markets etc. But do you think it is oppressing to the Muslim women who choose to wear the Burqa? What are your thoughts and opinions on this? Do you feel that a country can tell someone else how to dress in public?
Can't wait to hear your feed back on this one!