The French Ban on Headscarfs!

[Pah-Wraith]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040210/140/elohz.html

Tuesday February 10, 06:38 PM

French MPs Vote To Ban Headscarves
France has taken a major step towards banning Islamic headscarves and other religious insignia from state schools.A controversial new bill that will make it illegal to wear clothes or signs that "conspicuously" display affiliation to a faith has been passed by the lower house of parliament.

MPs voted 494-36 in favour of the legislation and it will now pass before the upper house in a few weeks.

The bill is likely to become law in time for the start of the next school year in September.

It has already provoked widespread opposition from many Muslims and some human rights groups.

The new law has been drafted in response to a perceived rise in religious fundamentalism among France's estimated five million Muslims.

Though it does not specify the items that would be barred, the Islamic headscarf, the Jewish skullcap, "large" Christian crosses and Sikh turbans are expected to be included.

Education Minister Luc Ferry has also said bandanas and even beards could be barred if worn with the wrong intent.

"What is at issue here is the clear affirmation that public school is a place for learning and not for militant activity or proselytism," Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debre said.

The measure has the support of around 70% of the French population and has been strongly backed by teachers.

The bill was passed after a deal was struck between the ruling Union For a Popular Movement (UMP) party and the Socialist opposition.

The Socialist opposition had wanted the text to be toughened - with "visible" replacing "conspicuous" - but agreed to vote in favour after the UMP promised a review of the law in a year.

Muslim groups have allied with some left-wing and human rights organisations to protest against the measure.

President of the Union of Islamic Organisations of France, Lhaj-Thami Breze, said the measure would backfire and strengthen Islamic radicalism.

"The majority of Muslims want to practise their religion in peace and in total respect of the laws," he said

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personally I think it's a disgrace, I believe it encourages both Anti-Semitism and Anti-Islam

[Jeremy]

I don't agree with the change in law. I had heard about it before, but wasn't sure at what stage it was at in being passed. I think people should be allowed to wear religious symbols that they want, as long as it doesn't compromise the safety of others. The majority won't do anything, and so it is pointless to create the law.

[LightningBoy]

All this proves is that secularism leads to the government support of Atheism. That's all it is.

[Kyre]

In theory this makes alot of sense. But in practise, banning this kind of activity won't do much good. I can't really see any differences with such a law in place (well, except negative ones).

[LightningBoy]

Why should the French government support an Atheist point of View? If you ask me, they're playing favorites with them.

[Kyre]

I don't think they're supporting atheism, I just think they're scared ****less.