Today Britain's The Independent reports that French President Nicolas Sarkozy's government has decided that next month it will propose a complete ban on wearing the burqa in any public place. Sarkozy insisted that the ban is needed to protect the "dignity of women." In pressing for the new ban, Sarkozy ignores advice from the Conseil d'Etat that a total ban is unworkable and likely is unconstitutional. It recommended a ban only in public buildings. A report from a French Parliamentary committee also suggested limiting the ban to public buildings and transportation. (See prior posting.) The French State Ombudsman opposes the total ban, as do moderate Muslim groups who say that a ban will make Muslims feel that their religion is resented in France. While only 2,000 women in France wear the full-length veil, it is increasingly seen by a number of politicians across the spectrum as inconsistent with republican values of liberty and equality.
Meanwhile, Voice of America reports that tomorrow debate will begin in the Belgian parliament on similar legislation. Amnesty International urged the Belgian Parliament to reject the proposal, but said that women should be protected from coercion to wear the garment.
