PARIS – The case started quietly, when a Muslim woman who sheaths herself in a head-to-toe veil was denied French citizenship because she had not assimilated enough into this society. France’s highest body upheld the decision, and politicians across the spectrum agreed it was the right move.
So what do y’all think?
On the one hand, I believe in freedom of religion.
On the other, I guess it is up to France’s Council of State to decide whether or not to bestow citizenship, and according to them, this woman’s clothing is “incompatible with the essential values of the French community.”
But will this lead to more divisiveness rather than the desired assimilation?
I have seen lots of headscarves, to me that is no big deal. But on a recent trip to San Francisco I saw some women wearing what appeared to be the full burqa, from head to toe, with slits for eyes.
It was out at the Embarcadero, on the docks, and the wind was really whipping the fabric. The “imprisonment” symbolism was there, but actually, they were visually struggling, too.
I remember reading that the Netherlands was going to ban the burqa but it looks like they never followed through. Hmm. I dunno.
Does it look like this, except purple? If so, I can understand their hesitation.
I completely agree with the stance France has taken, I wish more countries would act the same way.