France Bans Face Veils

On Monday morning, France's new law banning face veils in public areas. Anyone seen weiring a full face veil in public will be subject to a $150 euro fine or Frech Citizenship lessons. This ban was originally scheduled to be in effect earlier, but Muslim groups were given a grace period of 6 months to explain the new laws and ban to their supporters and members.

Surprisingly, those Muslim groups have been very peaceful about the ban. There have been no demonstrations so far, and the leader of the groups have said that after having conversations with the French authorities about the ban, that they are "100% respectful of French law." There are still hard feelings though, as many Muslims feel the ban imposes on their cultural freedom.

In my mind, this is a very controversial and foolish move by the French Government. I believe that the ban does impose on their cultural beliefs and freedoms. If they want to wear the veil in public, that should be their decision, not the Government's. This move was made by President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose poll ratings are at an all time low. Some have said that this move was made just to gain support of far right voters. This would mean that he didn't actually believe in the law, he just wanted more votes. This is something that the French should, and I believe will, investigate and look into.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/France+enacts+face+veils/4593995/story.html