The Burqa Ban

[Amy]

"A ban on full face veils has come into force in France, exposing Muslim women who wear the niqab or burka in public to fines of £132 (150 euros)."

What do you think about the ban? Is it necessary?
Should the burqa be banned in all non-muslim countries?

[Zados]

this ban totally inacceptable - if you forbid burqas you have to forbid wearing crosses or any other religious sign in the streets

this is plain unfair and discriminatory

[Hitokiri]

not just france.
It's in belgium too and it isn't the burqa.

Obviously it targetted the burqa and everyone calls it that, but it is anything that hides your face. So ski masks as well.
Also the burqa is mostly seen as an oppressive tool through western eyes, so women rights groups as well have been advocating such a ban.

[Amy]

Hito is right - if it was just burqas, then the ban would be ridiculous and have a small amount of reason.

However, the ban of all items that cover your identity is one that should have happened a while ago.

Balaclavas and burqas, anything else that covers your face are often menacing to others in public. Many people forget that burqas are optional in islam - the law is to dress modestly and can be taken anyway, which is why some wear burqas, some wear headdresses, etc.

Just like the rules on alcohol and dressing in muslim countries, I don't see what's wrong with having our own rules too.

None of this explains the health problems of a burqa - a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets and osteoporosis, which can also cause seizures in their children.

Overall, the ban is fair. It is for health and safety, and does not target the burqa alone.

[Willo]

It's shameful ..not acceptable at all .. totally unfear ..
It's a personal freedom and they should respect that !!!!

[Dr Frook]

I don't think it is necessary, but on the other hand, if a western female visits a Muslim country, they are expected to cover up and comply with local laws and traditions. If they do not, they can easily get thrown in jail or much worse. So why is it any different or seen as wrong to require a Muslim person to comply with the predominantly Christian philosophy and system in western countries.

If you see enforcing a Burqa Ban as wrong, then it is equally wrong for Islamic countries to force western/non-muslim women to cover themselves from head to toe.