Is the French ban on Muslim veils in public buildings justified? |
It is necessary to be able to see a person's face to identify them.
In public buildings such as schools and government offices, it is often necessary to be able to identify a person. If someone is always wearing a veil, it would be impossible to tell who that person is. Teachers have to identify their students, and government officials need to be able to identify a person who is applying for a passport or drivers license, for example. I think the ban on veils in public buildings is reasonable.
Posted by: N Schroeder 60The ban on veils in public buildings is justified due to security concerns.
When security personnel can not easily identify an individual entering a public building there is an increased risk of some type of attack. Further, veils and other obscuring garments can be used to hide weapons. Also, France has suffered great unrest from amongst its Muslim population and is justified in taking extra precautions to preserve its safety from extremists.
Posted by: 5h3rIsdeadThe French ban on Muslim veils in public buildings is not justified, because it is an infringement on freedom of religion and expression.
Legally prohibiting Muslims from following tenets of their faith that do not negatively impact others is a needless infringement on their human rights. Furthermore, unless such rules are applied across the board to members of other faiths who are required to wear clothing that obscures some identifying characteristics, such as Sikhs, turbans, veils or robes, then it is clearly applying the law unequally, with the intent of oppressing a minority.
Posted by: UriahDoomYes, for everyone's safety.
It's not about demeaning someone's religious beliefs. It's about keeping everyone safe. And, you have people - who may not even be muslim - who will take advantage of the use of veils in order to commit some unsavory acts. So, in order to keep everyone safe - even Muslims - no veils is totally understandable. Everyone's face should be exposed. Otherwise, there is very little need to even have surveillance equipment or eyewitness in order to keep people safe.
Posted by: MohaI0v35It is justified.
The safety of the community here comes to be more important than one's own preference.
The women should understand that the veil has been created by men in order to stress the inferiority of women. There is nothing wrong in showing your face and hair; the behavior is way more important. Women are not possessions of men and should freely appear in society unveiled and proud.Posted by: AnonymousThe needs of security override religious needs.
In today's suspicious world, prompt, accurate identification is necessary. Religious preferences in dress must give way to this overriding need to avoid misunderstandings and potential danger. All faiths change over time, and there is no compelling reason for this particular requirement.
Posted by: laceymaryaYes I believe the French have the right idea.
Do we not in the United States have laws that state you can't wear a hat or something that covers your face into a building such as a bank? The reason they say that you can't do that is founded on the fact that if you do then no one can tell who you are. It is the same here with the French they just want to know who is in their presence.
Posted by: lacedjeansThe French ban on Muslim veils in public veils is justified as non Muslims could use it to their advantage to commit an offence.
The banning of veils in public buildings has sufficient grounding as a criminal could use it to hide their face without their identity being revealed. It can also make it difficult to recognize someone if there are a large number of people in veils which can cause embarrassment and difficulty.
Posted by: J Navarro 62The French ban on Muslim veils is justified.
Freedom can't really be used as an argument against this law. Muslim women are FORCED to wear a veil in public. Women in their country are not given much of any freedom. So not allowing them to wear their veil isn't taking any of their freedom away, because they have never had it. This law is for the country of FRANCE'S safety.
Posted by: AnonymousFrance is a melting pot
People who move to France are expected to learn French and fit into the culture. French culture includes showing your face, playing music, and a host of other things that are not part of the cultures where women walk around looking like nightmares. Returning them to their country of origin would be a better solution.
Posted by: AnonymousWomen in Islam are forced to hide
It is dangerous to allow anyone to enter a building masked and/or covered. A man could just as easily hide under a veil and conceal his identity. I think veils that cover the face should be prohibited, but not the hijab (as strictly). I don't like seeing either, but if the woman wishes to wear it, she may. However, it says nowhere in the Quran that women are required to wear them, so I don't think they should wear hijab at all. It is a man-created idea to hide women and make them lower in society.
Posted by: AnonymousWhile rights to religious freedom ought to be granted to the greatest extent possible, the safety of the public supersedes religious freedom.
The freedom to wear any given article of clothing and to express religious sentiments generally ranks high on the list of freedoms. But, concealing one's identity in public buildings poses a risk to the general public. A terrorist or criminal could easily disguise himself in a Muslim veil, so that he would not attract attention and, thereby, succeed in committing atrocities.
Posted by: ButEasyYes, because the French ban on Muslim veils is good for the freedom and dignity of women.
The Muslim practice of forcing women to keep covered in public is archaic and patriarchal. It is demeaning to women and further enforces a gender hierarchy that is not positive for anyone. Women are not property, no matter what Mohammad says. And they should not be treated like the property of their families or husbands.
Posted by: M0r3FireThe French ban on Muslim veils is justified to prevent crime.
The French ban on Muslim veils in public buildings is justified in order to protect public safety, it is not an attempt to discriminate against Muslims. An individual with bad intent could simply dress in Muslim garb and commit a crime and remain unidentified, and the Muslim community would be the target of ill feelings by the general public.
Posted by: ThegaXen
The French ban on Muslim veils in public buildings is not justified, because it is a part of their religion, and should be allowed as freedom of expression.
Recently, women wearing these veils said this ban is an affront to their freedom of expression and religion. Many Muslims view wearing the veil as an integral expression of their faith. In an era where Muslims are struggling to cope with negative stereotypes, there is an ever-increasing need to build bridges, rather than implement extreme measures which would further alienate Muslims. This is a form of racism.
Posted by: SatisfyingEdmund48Free Expression
Free expression should be allowed in our world anywhere today, and France is only hindering that progress. Wearing the hijab is part of their culture -- and taking that away from them anywhere is unjustified. If France is afraid to accept others who are different just by the way they dress, they have a long, long way until they will be viewed as a just and supportive country.
Posted by: AnonymousA ban on Muslim veils is completely unjustified, as veils have no correlation with violence or crime.
A ban on wearing veils is a direct assault on the rights of Muslim individuals. These types of bans only show that the people of that country have allowed terrorism to succeed. If you are so terrified of Muslims, in general, because of the actions of the few, then they have won. Additionally, it is, in effect, punishing people who have done nothing wrong, and only breeds hate from the other side, making the possibility of more conflict more likely than before.
Posted by: daveyxhI oppose the French ban on Muslim veils as it is a form of religious discrimination.
Muslim women wear veils as a way to shield their features from males and maintain a modest image. While this was not technically mentioned in the Koran, it has become a Muslim tradition in many areas. Restricting this becomes a form of religious discrimination, because these women believe that they should wear a veil for religious reasons.
Posted by: TMaciasBanning veils discriminates against women specifically, because men don't wear them. It's as wrong as forbidding wearing skirts.
There are many reasons to cover one part of the body or another, but this prohibition is specifically aimed at women alone. Women have enough problems getting through society without being told what they can and cannot wear. Added to that women's rate of crime aided by disguise or hiding of the face is nearly none -- the problem is one of fear of people different from the norm and specifically against women from other cultures who are different.
Posted by: groovyboxI oppose the French ban on Muslim veils for religious freedom reasons.
Although the French don't have explicitly guaranteed religious freedom like in America, the same principle applies as a matter of morality. In order for religious expression to be regulated, some demonstrable harm needs to be shown by the government. The only harm suggested by proponents of the ban is that Muslim clothing could be a security risk, but this could easily be addressed by requiring anyone in concealing clothing, Muslim or not, to be subject to pat downs if entering a secure area. Otherwise, the Muslim veils impose no burden on anyone else, and thus religious freedom trumps other considerations.
Posted by: 54uIIanNO
if France called it self a democratic nation then they should live up what they are talking about. Democracy means worship whatever you want , eat whatever you want , vote for whatever you want , dress up whatever way you like. Democracy means FREEDOM. France showing it self as weak nation by banning any rights of its citizens.
Posted by: AnonymousI do agree with French in the banning or veils in public, it doesn't allow Muslims to properly practice their religion.
The wearing of a veil hold many symbolism in the Muslim faith. Wearing a veil is not a fashion statement it is a practical application of their beliefs. You shouldn't have to hide or be ashamed of what you believe in in order to be a part of any society. I think we all need to learn more about different religions so we can appreciate them.
Posted by: C0ImEIiteNo, because people should be allowed to wear the clothes that are inherent to their religious beliefs.
It is not the government's job or position to decide that a population cannot wear a certain item due to religious beliefs. If people can walk around half naked, dressed in clothes that expose everything, then why can't people cover themselves up?
Posted by: csmithI think it is an anti Muslim law that is not supposed to exist in a democratic country.
I think it is a violation of human rights in the name of security. France can argue that foreigners in Saudi should be covered completely. Saudi is not a democratic country. Trying to change their views and ideas is hopeless. However, France is a democratic country which should protect and value every citizens right. What difference does it make if women cover their face or not? I don't see the logic or justification behind this. They feel comfortable when they do that. It is not easy for them to change and accept a new law that violates their religious views.
Posted by: N4rrGetIt is pure bigotry, and will do nothing to improve security in France.
This move is nothing but bigotry. There is no rational reason for it. It is simply a move to intentionally and unreasonably offend a religious minority within France. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are peaceful and they all have the right to practice their religion, including the wearing of veils or other distinctive clothing. This move by the French will only further enrage the extremists, and help them to recruit. When the extremists say that the French hate Islam, this move will give their words credence.
Posted by: P4cBranGovernments do not have the right to dictate dress to individuals nor can they judge what is appropriate religious expression.
France is a country that has a strong secular tradition and a problematic relationship with all religions. My understanding is that the French justify the ban on veils in part by arguing that nonreligious, secular characteristics is an essential aspect of French identify. I find that argument to be unappealing. In the end, the people themselves will decide what Frenchness means, if indeed the concept will survive at all. As Muslims become a greater percentage of the French population, their cultural preferences will begin to become mainstream and the idea of a ban on veils will become unenforceable.
Posted by: SweetieSkippAn Attack on Muslims.
The ban on any religious attire, not just Muslim veils, is completely unnecessary. There is no logical reason to why they would want to ban the head dresses. This is an attack on women's rights, the Muslim religion, and the pure emotion that Islamic women experience being forced to rid their clothing.
Posted by: AnonymousEvery women has right to protect herself and others
It is of course command of God to cover parts of your body which may attract men.This is practiced in many religions including Christianity where nuns are covered from head to toe.It is not more than a mask used in hospitals , public kitchens and polluted areas for medical and safety reasons.This protects women from lusty eyes of men.Men are also protected from seduction.Above all it is in practice since centuries in Muslim world.
Posted by: AnonymousI do not think the French ban on veils is justified because it discriminates against one mode of dress of one religion for no valid purpose.
The French banned veils because they felt they represented the oppression of women and perhaps allowed people to hide their identity. But many women wear the veil as a matter of choice. They have always worn one and would whether anyone forced them to or not. If the veil conceals identity, it does so no more than heavy makeup with sunglasses, or a big hat, sunglasses and a beard. Would they ban fake beards, extra large hats that come down over the forehead, or excessive face makeup? They are obviously picking on the veil because of its connection to oppressive and abusive treatment of women in some Arab countries, but this is the wrong way to go about correcting a wrong. If the French could ban veils, then westerners would have no right to object to Arab countries requiring all western women to dress as THEY see fit when in their country. They already do, but they are criticized for it. Equality for women does not lie in something as simple as a veil. Unless the French can legislate that Muslim women in their country have equal access to jobs, education, and justice, the veil is a silly token act. It would do women more good to ban high heel shoes.
Posted by: gaijinboyNo, I do no agree at all.
I live in the middle east and most of the women here are covering their faces. I do cover my face sometimes, not because anyone is forcing me but because I wish to. If a girl is pretty and she afraid of any sexual harassment, she can wear it. You can understand why most of those girls who aren't covering their face are being raped. The veil can be used as protection and sign of purity.
Posted by: AnonymousReligious freedom should be supported and encouraged.
The guiding rationale of banning religious veils seems to be a knee jerk response to terrorism concerns. However, society should instead move towards inclusion and support of religious freedom and acceptance. Isolating a single religion's garb is an intolerant reaction that overcompensates for a perceived threat at the expense of an often innocent group.
Posted by: N3r0nKrooINo, its unfair reasoning by the government
Its terrible how the government and media has done to the public. They issue terrorism as being such a huge threat and use it as an EXCUSE to strip people of their basic right to freedom of religion. They place a false fear into the minds of the public and get them to believe such abuse is justified. If women thought that the wearing of the headscarf was demeaning to women and that it was a patriarchal, then they have a choice to wear it or not wear it. But we should strip them of their right solely on the base of fear of terrorism. Its simply wrong that the French would do such a thing.
Posted by: Anonymous