AFP reports today on a French proposal to ban Muslim women from wearing the niqab (full Islamic veil) in public. The recommendation to the National Assembly is the broadest move yet to restrict Muslim dress in France.
"The wearing of the full veil is a challenge to our republic. This is unacceptable," the report said. "We must condemn this excess." The commission called on parliament to adopt a formal resolution stating that the all-encompassing veil was "contrary to the values of the republic" and proclaiming that "all of France is saying 'no' to the full veil."
One of the Communist deputies, André Gerin, used stronger language. "The wearing of the full veil is the tip of the iceberg," said Gerin, the chair of the commission. "There are scandalous practices hidden behind this veil." He vowed to fight the "gurus" seeking to export a radical brand of fundamentalism and sectarianism to France.
The National Assembly resolution would pave the way to legislation making it illegal for anyone to appear with their face covered at state-run institutions and in public transport, for reasons of security.
Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands are reportedly considering similar measures. But in North America, political correctness requires us to not discuss or even think about anything that would smack of discrimination against those who cling to the values and customs of the old world while enjoying the freedoms of the new.
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