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French MPs vote to ban full face veil in public
14 July 2010
France's lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to ban the wearing of face-covering veils in public spaces.
The bill will now go to the Senate in September to become law. Judicial challenges could occur from the European Court of Human Rights, which protects religious freedoms. Sarkozy's own ruling party has also asked for the text to be examined by the Council of State, France’s highest administrative body.
The draft bill says that “no one can, in the public space, wear clothing intended to hide the face.” The bill also defines “public space” broadly, including streets, markets and private businesses, as well as government buildings and public transportation.
Many members of the Socialist, Communist and Green parties, abstained from voting and it passed with 335 votes to 1.
Critics argue that the ban is a bid to pander to anti-immigration voters and to distract attention from France's economic woes. Meanwhile, it enjoys broad popular support with more than 8 in 10 French voters supporting the ban.
Fines of 150 euros (190 dollars) will be imposed on those caught wearing the veil. Also men who force their wives or daughters to cover themselves for religious reasons face penalties of up to 30,000 euros and a one-year jail term.
A similar law was recently passed by the Belgiun parliament and the Spainish senate has also recommended a ban on Islamic vails.
By Rachel Humphries
