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April 10th, 2011
01:19 PM ET
France's controversial burqa ban takes effectParis (CNN) - French police arrested two veiled women protesting the country's law banning face-hiding Islamic burqas and niqabs Monday, just hours after the legislation took effect. The arrests outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris were not for wearing the prohibited garments. Police say the women were instead arrested for participating in an unauthorized protest. But the incident reflected the high passions the ban has incited among some Muslims. One woman who disapproves of the ban said no one forces her to wear the niqab, a full-face veil with an opening for her eyes, and she should be left alone. "I've not committed a crime," said Hind Amas, who was not among those arrested. "I'm walking peacefully in the street. I've not attacked anyone." Read about American women who wear Islamic headscarves The ban pertains to the burqa, a full-body covering that includes a mesh over the face, as well as the niqab. The hijab, which covers the hair and neck but not the face, and the chador, which covers the body but not the face, apparently are not banned by the law. Read about two Tennessee sisters who wear the hijab "The ban does not target the wearing of a headscarf, head gear, scarf or glasses, as long as the accessories do not prevent the person from being identified," the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Read the full story about France's burqa ban taking effectsoundoff (1,962 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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This should happen in the U.S. too if it was a security concern like it was in France. Covering the entire face is barbaric, primitive, and disdainful. How would we know if such a person was a man dressing up as a woman as a suicide bomber??
I would guess that a suicide bomber would not be dressed as a women in a burqa. It would be someone that would not want attention drawn to them and they would be dressed very unassuming just just like me and you. Being afraid of someone in a burqa does not make sense to me. The USA if a free country and anyone should be be allowed to dress as they wish. France has it wrong and I am glad I live in the USA where this would never happen.
It would happen if our Muslims were the worst of the worst like in France. As stated, it is a security issue. Fortunately, our Muslims show their faces.
Amen Sassan. Couldn't agree more!!
Good for the French for having some common sense away from political correctness...the full veil in which not even the face is visible is a security concern and such barbarism doesn't deserve legal status or respect anywhere in the free world...luckily in the U.S., our Muslims are not as radical and don't usually cover their faces too
This is a GREAT idea. Anything that attacks the blight of organized religion, the one and only true abomination on our planet, is GOOD.
amen to that
Yes, once religion has gone, humanity's perfect nature will be revealed, and all will be peace, love, and rainbows. It must be a well known fact that Hitler was really just on a religious crusade...
Its not the evil of religion that subverts Man to do terrible things, its the evil of MAN that uses religion as an excuse to exercise his own true nature.
What you are not seeing, is that you can not wear a cross or other signs of religious belief openly exposed. It truly is scry what they are imposing on their citizens. Mask it with joint hate for the muslims (whom I have NO tolerance of their evil ways) but to be fair it persecutes ALL faith. The French are embracing socialism even more with this step...
If that is the case, then I love France even more!
You portray it as an affront to "freedom of expression", just as many other Christian folk do. Yet, it is those same people who lash out at atheists who which to openly and freely excercise their freedom of expression in holding seminars pointing out the naivete and ridiculousness of religion.
Perhaps if folks didn't want these "freedoms" stripped, they should have stopped forcing their own personal world view down everybody elses throats.
"You portray it as an affront to "freedom of expression", just as many other Christian folk do."
How can you not see it as against freedom of expression? They should just give everybody government issued clothes guaranteed not to offend anyone.
"Perhaps if folks didn't want these "freedoms" stripped, they should have stopped forcing their own personal world view down everybody elses throats."
Kind of like you're doing with your comment right now?
This is a strange debate! Freedom of expression VS. ones culture or upbringing. It's obviously against women to ware these things but by making it the rule to not wear one is imposing one's values. Additonally, if a women choses to wear one than how should one feel. Especially if that women was raised in a western world where her mind wasnt feed this stuff since birth. For example, if my sister converted faiths and started wearing one of these things should i or the Gov't force her not to wear it...Just showing everbody that it shouldnt be a one sided arguement. And for the freedom loving people out there when do or dont we take away people's freedom and who gets to pick sides.
Well Jude, I guess the question is where do we draw the line when the lives of others are literally at risk? Since the radicals have decided that sending in suicide bombers now included women how do we figure out who these people are and attempt to stop them before a school bus is taken out next time? In this case the rights and freedoms of the majority need to out weight the few in order to keep society running. I for one think the law makes sense and I applaud the French for setting the tone and hope the rest of the world follows.
I'm not entirely sure, but i think you are letting your emotion get the best of you. When was the last time you had some body dressed like this bomb us here in the US. I know they may be doing this in war fighting areas and i'm not sure how often it is happening, but to make a rule like this here in the US would be nonsense if the argument is they can hide bombs in there outfits. They can do that in baggy jeans, autos...etc...Its just using the distraction of fear and using this fear to impose something that nobody likes. Like i said early i do think it "COULD" be hurting women but if a women who has no ties to that culture decides to convert and wear this type of garmet than who am i to stop them from doing it...I say leave them alone, 99.9999 percent of them art huring anybody and that percent is the same of all peoples...
We err on the side of Freedom. That's what America was founded on.
When said freedoms bring death and destruction to you and your countrymen at a time you least expect it. It has become a fear factor world from the terroristic populace. If it means people feel safe then so be it. Let’s put the blame where it belongs, it’s all because of terroristic activities. THINK, was it a problems before we had all these bombings, death, destruction? I think you see the answer now!
As a public safety issue, there are often ordinances against wearing masks in public. I wonder if people would feel any differently if the issue were MEN, who for whatever reasons of whatever backgrounds, claiming they had the right to wear ski masks in public. Would that really feel like a religious modesty issue, or would it make people uncomfortable on the subway? Just a thought.
This a great point! I'm not sure what to think. In cases like this, i choice freedom of expressiion unless the fear of unrest are real. For example, People dressed in these ninja outfits are going around the country killing and stealing. Since that isnt the case, i choice freedom of expression while understanding that with freedom there are responsilbities. If "WE" as a people dont live up to those responsibitlies than it can and "WILL" easlity be taken away...Great point!
Men wouldn't have the right to wear masks out of context anymore than women. If you wore a ski mask in an American Bank you would probabiy be shot at worse, tackled and arrested at best. No one has the right to wear whatever they want. As a woman, I can't wear a bikini wear I work (wouldn't want to anyway, nor would anyone want me to). At church I must wear a dress even if pants are warmer and more pratical.
Besides, these "speciality" masks are connected to a context. Out of context, you raise alarms. A burqa (Sp?) is not temporary. If we can't see your face, in normal contextual settings, it should raise alarms, males and females regardless of the religion.
In my state here in the United States ,we cannot wear a full face mask, like a full ski mask with eye slits (such as to combat the cold) while riding a motorcycle. It is illegal! You can be taken to jail, but are assured a ticket and removal of said face mask..
So you won't be "permitted" to wear your hooded sweatshirt and V for Vendetta mask anymore.
Perhaps that is what this is really about.
NOW is USA turn!!!
Quite honestly, I'm a Christian man, but if this law was ever enacted in the USA, I would (provided it wasn't sacriligious/offensive for me to do so) wear the hijab and burqa as an act of peaceful protest and civil disobedience against an unjust law.
The French Gov. realizes that "being a muslim woman" often means being forced into wearing a black tent whenever you go out in public.
It is the most important job of a gov. to gaurantee personal freedom to its people.
Its a tricky situation that doesn't have simple answers.
If an American christian father forced his daughter to wear a veil in this country, would people be crying "religious freedom"?
No, its becauase the poor little defenseless "minority" is involved.
Salvador, do you believe that the women who say they WANT to wear it of their own free will are ALL lying?
100% agree, Jason
I hope so!
@ Freemaan
Considering the Islamic practice of 'thighing", I'm not sure if your women aren't so socially damaged that they have a good grasp of reality or what is 'the truth.'
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071221232108AAppsxu
For too long left leaning individuals have championed any cause that promotes the rights of the minority. Now, even in Europe, they are realizing the big mistake we made in allowing the muslim culture to infiltrate and infect our society. If people from the mid-east want to immigrate to Europe, they should assimilate, not irritate. Islam is as much a political cuase as it is a riligeous one. The main menace in this world is islam, plain and simple. People claim there are also tolerant muslims. Where are they. Why do they not stand up against the plague that is infecting their religion? I am very pleased to hear that the people of France are standing up to this intollerant scorge that is a plague in our world. Try carrying a bible in the mid-east! Talk about tollerance.....
It seems you don't know much about Muslim culture. It is not suddenly 'infecting' Europe, it has been in Europe since the beginning. I suppose you have never heard of the Moors, for instance?
You should also realize how much these 'infectors' have contributed to western knowledge. Why to you think they call them 'arabic' numerals?
@Freeman...your clearly rather smart and know your history...BUT do not use that intelligence to make straw man arguments and act as if you don't know what the original poster is talking about. Muslim populations have boomed in Europe over the past 20-30 years, as has the influence of the culture especially in certain areas. The original posters inability to say what he meant in an overly intelligent way doesn't mean he didn't have a point. "Multiculturalism"...the idea that people of a nation must accept all other cultures in their country as if they are their own...has backlashed in Europe some as people feel it has gone too far. America has always been the "melting pot"...but France, England, Spain, ect ect. these nations have always had their own cultures and these have been of great importance to them. I don't think its irrational that they see multiculturalism as stealing this....and they look around and say wait, its not happening equally. Its not like French culture is taking over parts of Saudi Arabia.
Security is more than a value, it's a necessity everywhere in the world. The plus is that it will make these women healthier.
I would gladly trade in security for liberty, and I think our US founding fathers would feel likewise. This ban is crap! And, believe me, I am no fan of Islam!
The founding fathers said as much. Don't expect the fear-mongers to recognize it though. ZOMG!!! Scary Muslims!!!
Actually, pal, one of those founding fathers is known for saying "Those who would give up Essential Liberty
to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Just thought you'd like to know.
Yes, lets sacrifice freedom for security, and force women to be 'healthier' against their will.
The first steps towards a totalitarian society.
if muslims dont like it then g t f o. muslim women need to leave their tents at home.
This is the plain and simple truth.
I fully support this law, if they don't like it maybe it is time to move back to the middle east. Sorry but as attacks increase everyone should be aware of who is who and if Islam feels this is unjust then stop your radical brothers and sisters from committing the crimes in the first place. Tolerance is a two way street and should not be given just to the Muslims if they are not willing to give tolerance back
Well spoken. Why is it we focus so closely on muslim rights? What about other faiths in Egypt or Iran? You would never be able to carry a bible in Saudi Arabia!!!
I guess Christians are responsible for stopping their Radical brothers who blow up Abortion Clinics, as well?
@Freeman...YES. YES THEY ARE. What is so hard to understand about that. It IS the responsibility of moderate Christians to speak out against and even if needed counter protest against the radical elements of their religion. OF COURSE that's their responsibility. The real sad thing here is that your first assumption was that it wasn't and they don't. What world do we live in when its not the responsibility of the large majority of reasonable people to speak out against the radical morons...I'm gonna go out on a limb and say when the UN workers were killed your first reaction was to blame the moron minister who burned the Quran, rather then what it should have been which is to condemn 12th century behavior in a 21st century world.
If we go in their countries we have to adapt to their culture. Not only they can't do the same when they come here but they actually expects the west and North America to adapt changes for them. Middle age culture and philosophy has no place in civilized nations. Period.
Your bigotry is shown by your use of "Their Countries" and "Our Countries". Is a Muslim who is born in France not a Frenchman?
@ Freemaan
Were the Vichy?
I have a moslem friend in her 40's who wants to wear the veil badly but bec. of her husband's line of work, she cannot right now......in the meantime..... she dresses really wild with low cut tops and I wonder to myself WHY?? Here is a woman who for sure wants to wear the veil but dresses like that???? at least dress with some respect woman!!!
Or, if she is a real friend at least give her respect and spell Muslim correctly.
Sounds like a fake story.
Do you have pictures...j/k
that is a correct spelling moron
Didn't happen without pics.....
I want to wear my baseball cap and sunglasses in a bank but they won't let me. Just get over it.
Floyd Moslem is a correct spelling. Oh truth and facts slam again.
Your spelling of MUSLIM...tells me that you do not actually have a "moslem" friend.
@weasel...no its not by anyone with more than a 3rd grade education
Burka has no place in the West where women have fought long and hard for their rights!
Like the right to wear what they want?
Never mind arguing with logic, Nonimus. Islam-haters are consumed with the emotion of fear. They don't understand simple things such as rights, anymore than the Islamic hardliners (which they falsely feel are a reflection of all Muslims) do.
The Burqua was banned in Turkey almost a century ago – and Turkey is a secular country – like France – with a muslim majority. That makes it pretty clear that the burqua is not a pre-requisite to following Islam...
Thats like saying birth control is allowed in many protestant religions, so obviously banning it is not a requirement of Christianity.
But the Pope would beg to disagree with that statement.
Your over-simplification of all the myriad branches of Islam does not hold water.
Way to go France! We all need to be doing this! Someone has to start putting a stop to them taking over the world..
...and christians don't already do more than their fare share of "taking over the world"?
Dave, that's the worst argument ever. If Christians have 'taken over the world (which they haven't) they've obviously managed to do it without killing someone every single day over it. I'm an atheist, but I can say I'd be a hell of a lot happier if Christians took over the world than Muslims. At least I'd have a chance at surviving that way.
In agreement with 'Canadians', Christianity has been attempting to diminish any other group(s). I agree Christianity is and was a very fast spreading religion, but it did not promote any believes that caused harm on others. Islam, on the other hand, completely demoralizes human character.
Lets ban bigoted outbursts next!
@ Freemaan
Right! Well said!
Freeman says 'all you bigoted, racist Muslims, Shut Up!'
This is good. This is a push back against Islam and its intrusion into other countries. Islam is not a religion of moderation, tolerance and understanding...it is a fast growing weed that needs to be "trimmed back" every once in a while.
I would prefer a weed killer, than a simple weed preventer.
I do agree but would add that so is christianity.
Yes, but Christianity does not promote radical behavior as Islam does.
Yes, only religions approved by you should be allowed to be practiced in western countries.
Western Religious Freedom in the 21st Century: You are free to practice ANY religion you choose; as long as it comes from our pre-approved list!!
@ Freemaan
Yes, but please be aware that 'our' list of approved religions is limited to actual -religions-.
We need this law in the USA. Any person wearing a full face mask looks the same as an armed robber.
I so agree! Get the BMOs off the streets. In a moslem country, we have to dress as they do, arms and legs completely covered. To heck with them!
Would this apply to ski masks in winter? veils at funerals? costumes at Halloween? medical masks for the contagious?
I cannot see how a law like this would get past the 1st Amendment.
what an idiot replyNonimus
If you wore a ski mask ina bak, school, police department or office building and didn't take it off as you entered the building then yes. Your mask is a temporary thing and is removed in public buildings. Veils at funerals are the same think. If you are wearing a costime during an easter service or during the 4th of july you would raise alarm. And seriously, medical masks for contagions? When the threat is over it is removed. If you are wearing any of these things out of context, they you would raise alarms. Grow up.
Yeah John, we've just had SO many crimes committed by people wearing Burkas in the US...
My Freedom is more important than your Stupid Idea.
@nominus
The French ban includes exceptions such as motorcyle helmets, carnival masks, wedding veils, etc.
Thanks E.
I wasn't aware that such things were excluded in the law, but makes me wonder why they are excluded if it's all about security.
@Zeda,
I wouldn't want to make an "idiot reply," but my understanding is that the new law is effective for public places, not banks and post offices, which would include all those cases I mentioned, if they weren't excluded.
"France's law banning the burqa and other Islamic face coverings in public places..."
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/07/france.burqa.ban/?hpt=T2
Beware the ninjas...we must bend over and make sure we do not offend these ppl...they shall impose their way of life on whatever society they chose to move into....PUKE....way to go France, finally grew a set ...too late though since you've let way too many of these freaks in and now they'll just breed you out....France will be a muslim country in 25 yrs....oh Notre Dame!!!!!!!!!!!
Just as a woman is not allowed to walk around in a mini skirt in most moslem countries, then I think it is only fair that u not cover up in European countries....I really do not want to see it.....
Don't want to see what? You can't see ANYTHING with a burqa, lol
they are BMO's .... Black moving objects!!!
Freedom of Religon...where has it gone? Americans need to understand that the war we are in is "NOT" with the Muslim world. I'm an American, no Muslim ties, and I think its an crying shame when someones religious beliefs are taken away because someone doesnt approve. The war we fight is with evil people, not an evil religon. The war we fight is with our own countrys leaders and how they spend our childrens future on whatever they feel is in the best interest of themselves or their party. The war we fight is in our childrens classrooms and specifically with the unprepared and inexperienced teachers they are forced to learn from. Our war list is long and I don't think it has enough room to fit in this Burqa law. Our country is dying. Our people are lying. Our reputation as a leader in the world is all but gone. We have bigger things to worry about. More critical things to consider.
@justicejim: Firstly, learn to read. This isn't a law in America, unless we took over France when I wasn't looking.
Secondly, once you've learned to read, go take a look at the Koran. I hate all religions, to be entirely honest, but Islam is right up there with Christianity in terms of danger posed to society. Seriously, read to Koran before you claim it's a "peaceful religion". Take a look at the sheer amount of people in the Middle East who partake in protests yelling "Down with USA" or, my personal favorite "Kill al who mock Islam". These shouts are caused by them following their religion. The Koran orders violence be delivered to those who oppose Islamic faith. No Joke, read the damn book, it's right there plain as day.
The Islamic faith turned a part of the world that was instrumental to Humanity in developing science and technology to make the world a better place to live in, frankly, into a bunch of science fearing fanatics who would rather murder than face reality. You are right, we are in a "war" against "evil" people. You are wrong in not realizing that those "evil" people who gain their moral code from the Koran.
Sonya BMO...........Bowel Movement Object
Justicejim- there are bigger issues to worry about, yet something small can have a huge effect on a society in time. Probably the greatest threat to global peace is radical islam. It has huge implications in the middle east and asia. If islam was a religion of telrance and true peace, thease issues would not be on the forefront. Yet, radical islamist are the main source of problems in this world. It is the responsibility of the muslim community to address this issue and confront it with an iron hand. yet they dont. So, we, in the western world have to face up to it and in a forceful way. When this religion starts to infect our society, we must take a stand. Europe did not for far too long and now has finally come to the conclusion that it must. When a health issue threatens a society, the best defense is a proactive offense. When you wait until it has infecting many, it often is too late to save the masses that will otherwise become infected. This is true with islam in our world today. It must be confronted and dealt with properly, which in the case of fanatics, requires an iron will and fist.
The difference is, we are supposed to be more tolerant and free in Western countries. I guess we are only grant freedom to, and are tolerant of, people who look and act just like us.
@ Freemaan
A lot of nations were tolerant of the National Socialist Party prior to the Blitzkrieg of Poland.
Then, "Oops, we didn't see that coming..."