France votes for a burqa ban
13 July 2010

France's lower house of parliament today (13th July 2010) approved a ban on the wearing of burqa-style Islamic veils in public spaces and streets in a concerted effort to protect the French values of equality and secularity. France has Europe's largest Muslim population of about 5 million, but only a small minority of fewer than 2000 women are believed to wear face-covering veils although headscarves (hijab) are common. The legislation would forbid face-covering Muslim veils in all public places in France and calls for euro150 ($185) fines or citizenship classes, or both. The bill also is aimed at husbands and fathers - anyone convicted of forcing someone else to wear the garb risks a year of prison and a euro30,000 ($38,000) fine, with both penalties doubled if the victim is a minor.

The ban on burqas and niqabs will go in September to the French Senate, where it also is likely to pass. Its biggest hurdle will likely come after that, when France's constitutional watchdog scrutinizes it. Some legal scholars say there is a chance it could be deemed unconstitutional.