 |
|
|
|
|
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 »
Next entry »Leading atheist publishes secular Bible
« Previous entryMy Take: Jesus would believe in evolution and so should you
|
  About this blog
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.  |
|
|
|
Of course if there is a real cold day in France you will not be able to cover your face for the sake of security, man woman or child
The simple fact is you have no right to privacy in public places. If you don't want people to see you stay home.
I find this law offensive and it is an attempt to perpetuate the prejudices against Muslim men and women. The female muslim attire is a matter of modesty and should be treated as such. If it is a matter of identification than ask the individual to present their identification. I don't like what this law implies. As a global community, it is importnat to be tolerant of our differences. Wow, so many racists.
What a stupid comment. Identification?? How do we know who they claim they are based on their id since they are not allowed to show their face??
Sassan- you took the words right out of my mouth. In order to validate the ID which the person presents, we must be able to see the person's face. What other way can we assure that the ID is valid. Truly a thoughtless comment. Or, maybe a great idea. I am going to walk around wearing a mickey mouse mask all day and when someone asks for ID, I will present Goulda Meir's ID and when asked to remove my mask, I will state it against my religion to do so...
Well, if you primates would stop blowing people up, then we wouldn't be concerned. It's called SURVIVAL. Maybe you should spend your breath talking down your extremist brethren, not griping at us for trying to protect ourselves.
No one mentions how many Islamic women in secret are happy now in that they can tell their husbands that they are not allowed to wear such a veil when going to work and out to public and in a way are a little bit liberated from their oppressive religion
The downfall of religious freedom, and the downfall of liberty in France. I am Christian and I oppose Islam in principle, but I applaud the woman interviewed for sticking with her beliefs in spite of persecution.
Agreed. Hatred towards islam and muslims in general is getting out of control in this country. You can not target an entire group of people because of a few rotten apples. Wow, what has happened to us this past decade? And again, I am a Christian and do not believe in "allah" but I do know RIGHT AND WRONG. Stop this hatred before it's too late and we are judged in accordance to judging others. understand?
I congratulate France, who normally displays a kind of spineless, convictionless tendency, for using common sense and putting this ban into effect. Where is it written that any two distinct cultures must live together and accept the norms of the other? If you want to wear a burqa, then feel free to live in a Muslim country. If you want to live in a secular society, follow the mores of that land. France is overrun by Muslims as it is – so I believe this is just to take a muted stand against the extremism they know has already screw-wormed itself into their culture.
It's good thing for France, and for Muslim women as well. It's a scary custume to say the least, and one could never guess what's hidding behind it. It poses security risk to public as well, looking like a bank robbery mask. I hope US will ban it in public too.
There should also be a ban on all catholic priests in public, its more likely that they are a pedophile than a muslim woman is a terrorist. I for one believe in democracy and don't think the government should be deciding what anyone can and cannot wear, because when the government becomes so centralized and more powerful we end up with communism. And for those that agree with taking away religious freedom then you should support the chinese that outlaw religion, which may be a great idea since more people have died in the name or religion then any other way, in fact religion has killed more people than it has saved, perhaps the chinese model of communism is the best for the bigots that are posting praising remarks on the limitation of expression of free speech and religion.
So, you're stating that if someone is wearing the attire at issue, it must be a woman. It would not be possible for a man to DISGUISE himself as a muslim woman by dressing this way, and then commit a crime. You are also stating that banning this type of dress is tantamount to outlawing religion? That is a leap that YOU made. This is a matter of security for me, for you and your loved ones, etc. Imagine that someone dressed like this, with their face covered, violates one of your loved ones. With your vivid imagination (ban on certain type of dress = outlawing religion) you should be able to visualize that a MAN could conceivably use this as a disguise. What now? The assailant can't be identified, that's what.
to all the muslims in France and else where:
if you do not like what the French Goverment did, please packup and leave France and please please go back to where you came from, I know one good place to be in is Mecca in Saudi Arabia, you can pray to great pedophile Allah, and have free food and money. please leave the western culture as is, you have no right ot destroy it or modify it ..with your sick stupid, barbiric religion of yours...Please leave, enough ..enough..for now.
Yep!!!! You got that right!
I agree, and those of you in America who do not follow the Native American culture and religious practices, please go back to your country as well. What do you tell the Muslim women who were born in France? To where should they go back? Should they pick a random Muslim country? Is that the answer whenever government oppresses religion? Move away from your home? I can't believe how many people can only say, "Oh, well, France is a Christian country and they do what they want; I guess the Muslims should just go back where they're from." That is completely idiotic. Why am I so embarrassed to be an American right now? I guess I should go back where I'm from, or in the alternative, pick a random non-racist country, if there are any left.
National security? lol. Some of you guys are such sheep. This is yet another step they are taking in the direction of controling YOU and the masses on a global scale. Frogs in hot water, anyone? Wow, it really is hopeless...
Sir, can you describe the bank robber? No! They were covered from head to toe in a burqa! You haven't been paying attention to the suicide bombers using burqas in the Middle East to penetrate places of worship and police stations to kill innocent civilians. Glad you are not in charge of Homeland Security.
Muslim Women do not have to cover their faces. They can wear a headscarf if they want. There is no compulsion in Islam
it's france the they should respect the rules of the french!!! period , you dont like it go back to where ever your from, its a christian country.
Clearly the fundamental basis of women's coverings is in religion, and is offensive to anyone living according to modern, rational liberal social values. The fact that many of these women "choose" to wear them as part of their cultural and religious upbringing is a dicey proposition since it is not clear at all that they actually have much of choice. But then again, is it really a government's job to protect people from themselves?
I for one have some real problems with the way Christianity treats women. Shall our government require the church to ordain women? Or should it interfere in any aspect of a marriage in which gender roles are defined by biblical interpretations? I hate the thought of the "traditional" American family in which the women raises the kids and the husband earns the money. But I don;t want the government telling me or anyone else what a family SHOULD be, even if I agree.
Maybe there should be a law in this country making it mandatory for a couple to be declared "Husband and WIfe" instead of the more traditional and misogynistic "Man and WIfe". (sarcasm)
Sid
You raise some valid points, however, you are slightly off the mark. None of the things you have mentioned infringe upon the SAFETY of others. Not being aboe to see someone's face or identify them is a safety issue, pure and simple. Moreover, if people do not want to be discriminated against, it would probably be to their advantage NOT to set a precedent which could be exploited by criminals (suddenly, a high number of crimes are committed by people who's faces are hidden by religious garb that ANYONE can obtain, but makes these criminals appear to be muslim. See where this is heading?) Seems to me a situation like this would only elevate the (perceived or actual) bias against middle eastern religions.
Safety and security first. Do not cover your face in public. The bank security cameras, the drivers licnese picture, seeing someone run from the scene of a crime ... just examples of why full face coverings are not good.
To the woman interviewed who is sad and disappointed at the new law...she hasn't respected the country enough to learn the language?
I agress with you douglas!!
Just another example of NOT integrating into the laws of the country.
My hats off to France, If there is any that want to go with these head covers then they could to Saudia , or where ever it its allowed, I think they are free to leave France,
I wantto see it here in the USA but I dont guess our law makers have the balls France has 🙂
you said it best!!
Well said!!!!!
I can't believe how many of my fellow Americans have lost their way on here. Some of these comments are off the wall. How can my countrymen have so much contempt for another culture or religion, considering the majority of America was built upon immigration itself? What if America banned the wearing of the crucifix/cross as jewelry for everyday citizens? Would you still be as vile? Quit using your hatred and ignorance towards another people's tradition and beliefs simply because it doesn't match your own. Most importantly, think long and hard before you applaud anyone for "banning" or "restricting" anything – even if it is towards a group you secretly don't like. It may be their loss today – tomorrow the loss may be yours. The removal of freedom and personal rights is NEVER a good thing, no matter how you feel about who's getting the shaft. THINK. Real Americans value freedom, and question oppressive authority. This county wouldn't be here if we didn't!
Thank you. I was beginning to wonder if there were any other tolerant people left in this country, however I fear we are few and far between, especially when it comes to Islam.
It's for IDENTIFICATION, you moron! Did you even READ the article? I'm waiting for France to kick them all out just because they're to d*** much trouble.
Last time I checked a cross around my neck doesnt hide my face and make me unable to be identified.
Politically correct idiots like you will be the downfall of the country. Islam is not just a religion but an ideology – a complete and total way of life. It would be fine to leave them alone if they were not causing so much trouble. The fact is MANY Muslims are causing trouble and would prefer the US or any other country be 100% totally Islamic. Just look at the population growth and how Muslims are pumping out children 2 to 1 in Europe. Many "many" Imams in Europe are radicalized and calling for the overthrow of Europe the population explosion – and almost all Muslims are adhering to this. Throw in the fact that this religion is responsible for 120 thwarted "religious" attacks against America, it's simply now worth it. Keep Islam in CHECK and keep your country safe.
I agree, to the extent that people being allowed to have their face covered all the time for religious purposes infringes upon MY rights. On halloween, for example, people are not allowed to enter stores wearing masks. Why? No, not because store owners are prejudiced against people who celebrate halloween. It's a security issue. If I have to endure being photographed and videotaped everywhere I go, for security purposes, because my religion does NOT dictate that I cover my face, then EVERYONE in public areas should be subjected to the same photographing and video taping, for security purposes. If keeping one's face covered is acceptable, it is only a matter of time before criminals begin using this as a clever way to disguise themselves and avoid being identified. It's the same as people not being allowed to just walk around wearing Nixon masks all the time...unfortunately, we live in a society wherre we need to be identified by our faces frequently. I do not see this as an issue of predjudice or religious discrimination- this is a safety issue.
I'm sure glad you aren't in charge of security in this country, at an airport, in a neighborhood watch or in my home. You have conveniently ignored security issues. You are obviously ignorant about blasphemy laws in the Islamic world which give death penalties for speaking badly about Islam. You can start with Pakistan in your research of blasphemy laws. Sharia laws are a million times more restrictive than western laws will ever be. Get a clue.
You are quick to label it "hatred and ignorance" while completely ignoring the security aspect of the law. I'd say ignorance sits better in your lap.
Oddly enough, our country managed to thrive for years without worrying about the perceived threats. So what do we ban next? No baseball hats, because someone may walk into a bank or anywhere with a camera with their head down and the bill may/will obscure their face. Best not let the kids dress up as a ghost on Halloween, and no masks for that matter. Oh, and we should probably not allow any more large headphones either, so put away your ipods...because many of the face-reading technology these days use the ear creases as a marker for identification (that's why ears must to be visible in passport and many driver's license photos). Gloves in the winter should probably also be ditched, as we better make sure everyone's fingerprints will be traceable. I mean, it's all for the good of National Security, right? While we're at it, let's just all pitch in and line up and get ourselves microchipped and make sure we all download the Uncle Sam app for our iphones so Uncle Sam can take care of us. Amazing we were able to survive this long under the ideas that we could have freedom and *gasp* think for ourselves. Whew!
Try wearing a crucifix in a large corporation nowadays and you will see it is a career limiting move big time. You may even be asked to remove it so others aren't offended, yet they can wear their religious terrorist gear in the name of diversity
TheHarshTruth yes we did survive for years without such bans. Maybe you don't remember 9/11 when terrorist extremists attacked American soil? They can only blame themselves for any negative reaction. As a result, my freedoms have been significantly curtailed when flying. If the Muslim community does not back the 9/11 attacks then they need to abide by the increased restrictions put in place as a result without all this whining.
My bank does not allow hats. There is a sign outside the store and a sign inside the store asking that your remove them. There is also a photograph of the last robber who successfully used his hat to avoid the cameras.
You might also ask, how can Muslims have so much contempt for Western values. It works both ways. Westerners are not the only contemptuous beings on the planet. Their contempt begins with wearing the burqa and ends with defying the laws that ban it. Westerners are in complete charge of their own countries. Islam doesn't stop at the place of worship. It penetrates the governments in which it is allowed with an iron sword. It involves all facets of life. All the way down to which hand to wipe your a– with. This is insanity.
Stop using the example of not being able to wear hats in banks, or halloween masks in stores. That argument is irrelevant, because you're talking about a privately owned place of business. That is well within the store's rights to choose who they think should and should not be allowed in their store. It is NOT in the government's (at least not the US Governments) scope to govern these behaviors.
If the KKK can't legally walk around with masks covering their faces in public anymore why do we allow muslims to do so.
Ok go wear a hood or go put on a ski mask walk around and see if you do not draw attention of law enforcment.
Because the KKK is more overt in their bigotry. Muslim bigotry is more subtle. Their silence toward Islamic extremism is covert.
I agree. I walk into any number of stores recently that have signs prohibiting hoodies and other coverings for safety reasons. However, women are not required to remove the burqa. Seems like quite a double standard. And you know, with all the talk about ski masks, I don't know when I've seen one last except for last year's blizzard when one person in the neighborhood used one when he cleared 24 inches of snow from our sidewalk because my husband had broken his leg. I was happy to see it because I am disabled and unable to shovel snow.
They need to ban them in Britan and the US. If folks don't want to behave or dress like the residents of the country they want to move to then they should stay in their own country and fix their country. Too much tolerance is not a good thing.
A male suicide bomber just used a burqa last week in Afghanistan to bomb a place of worship. This has been going on in Iraq in Afghanistan since the wars there started. France has every right in the world to be concerned about its security. Don't like the law, move back to the he–hole country that invented this insanity.
So do you suggest we also ban ski masks? Of should it only be criminal to cover your face if you're a muslim?
I'm not much worried about my security going down a snowy mountain at 60 mph with the guy next to me in a ski mask. However a ski mask is not allowed in a bank. It also falls under the laws of having your face covered in public.
Can you imagine a society where every man and woman just decided to wear a burqa for a decade. There would be a whole decade of unsolved crimes and no witnesses. Well, officer, he or she (not sure which) was covered from head to toe just like you and I and that is about all the description I can give.
I have blue eyes and I shop at a discount grocery store when money is tight. (Save-A-Lot in Delaware). I was recently harassed out of the store by Muslim women who called me a devil (apparently having blue eyes is considered a sign of evil in their culture – shades of Nazi Germany?). Complaining to the black manager of the store did not help. I did nothing to incite these women, merely said "excuse me please" when reaching for an item on a shelf. I don't understand why Muslims are allowed to harass whites and hide behind the burka.
This is standard practice. Women in burka think they have right of way everywhere, pushes people out of the way whether they are blue-eyed or not.
Kicked out for blue eyes? What about all of the Muslims in Afghanistan who have blue eyes (there are many)? They are all devils? I call b.s. on your story.
Now just think if this happened to you ever day since birth and will never stop until death....that's the kind of thing others had to suffer and much worse from your 'Blue Eyed Devil' society for so long....doesn't make it right but should give you an understanding why the Black manger didn't help you....and me thinks you probably said something that you thought they didn't hear out of your racist mouth.
As I stated earlier, all I said was "excuse me please". As far as I know, that is not racist. Being chased through a store in Wilmington, Delaware with women in burqas shouting "devil" is racist
As I stated earlier, all I said was "excuse me please". As far as I know, that is not racist. Being chased through a store in Wilmington, Delaware with women in burqas shouting "devil" is racist. At the time I thought that the woman was mentally ill until I mentioned it to someone who told me that people with blue eyes are considered demons in that religion and independent research confirmed it. Why is it that racism against whites is acceptable?
In my life, I have seen much more black against white racism than the reverse. There have been more white churches burned by blacks than the reverse. I moved away from Charlotte, NC due to the intense anti-white discrimination and have been a victim of many racist treatments in the Philadelphia and Delaware areas. The black addict who killed my brother said at his trial "it's just another white boy dead I don't know what all the fuss is about". Whites have to put up with discrimination each and every day and it gets worse.
Get used to it
"You are quick to label it "hatred and ignorance" while completely ignoring the security aspect of the law. I'd say ignorance sits better in your lap."
Sam, as I wrote... I'm labeling some of the COMMENTS on here as hatred and ignorance. Just calling a spade a spade.