France moves closer to banning full Muslim veil

[dg90001]

Please read this article- come back and let us know your thoughts in this thread.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100115/ap_o...g_the_veil

[dg90001]

I'll start with my POV.

I have always been fascinated when I encountered ladies in ‘full Burka dress’ during my travels. Having gone to Catholic school all my life – I was educated on various religions. I have read about and understand the modest dress requirement in the Muslim faith. I think the rebel side of me – was always a bit uncomfortable with what I perceived as the oppression of women regarding the ‘full burka dress’.

This article however was eye opening for me. I don’t believe the woman represented in this article is oppressed at all. I believe she simply wants to practice her faith and soon will be at risk of breaking the law in France.

Perhaps I am the pure American at heart and wholeheartedly believe in the separation of Church and State. I can’t see any country outlawing a style of dress and not violating individual / religious rights.

I am not saying anyone should be able to hide behind a burka and not reveal themselves to police if the situation occurs. Please know that...

I do however question – why this one woman in France soon will not be able to go to the market in the dress she feels follows her religious beliefs.

I hope you all will share you views on this topic.

[TMW]

I'm thinking it's the face covering that is the major obstacle not the rest of her dress. And I'm for not having faces covered in public like this in any way. Sorry, but after 911 too much is uncertain and hiding one's face leaves one open to suspicion and unease. I understand her religious beliefs etc. but in public...sorry. What if she wanted a driver's license? Do you take her picture like that? I think it invites all kinds of problems when one's face cannot be seen.

[dg90001]

(01-18-2010 04:13 PM)TMW Wrote:  I'm thinking it's the face covering that is the major obstacle not the rest of her dress. And I'm for not having faces covered in public like this in anyway. Sorry, but after 911 too much is uncertain and hiding one's face leaves one open to suspicion and unease. I understand her religious beliefs etc. but in public...sorry. What if she wanted a driver's license? Do you take her picture like that? I think it invites all kinds of problems when one's face cannot be seen.

Laurie - Thanks for sharing your view. For a bit there I thought no one had a feeling either way on this topic.

I think we had that very license situation you described here in the US. And I think they ruled that all 'document' photo's could not be veiled. I'd have to look it up to be sure.

[Mac]

I have been following this issue for some time. I was always of the opinion that these women were forced into dressing this way by men. The more I have read, the more I have found that it is often a matter of personal choice, as it stated in the article Denise linked. While, like Laurie, I feel a little bit of unease with respect to full face covering for safety reasons, the bottom line for me is that it's a matter of religious freedom and the right to express a belief. Let's look at it this way. Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. Say Islam became the primary religion in a country that was not a traditional Muslim nation and Muslims gained political power at a high level. Would it be right for them to ask the women of the country to wear the veil and full cover dress? No. No more than it is right to impose our way on them. Let's say this was happening in the US. How could we dictate Muslim dress as a sign of assimilation into the country when we don't dictate use of the English language. Posing more questions here.

I think it's hard for people, me included, to relate to and understand Islam. It is something so foreign, and now for many, so frightening. Yes, there is a radicalized segment to this religion, as with many religions, but that is not the majority. One of my daughter's best friends is Muslim and she is being exposed to and learning much from Zaina, but we all don't get to have that opportunity.

[TMW]

(01-18-2010 04:38 PM)dg90001 Wrote:  

(01-18-2010 04:13 PM)TMW Wrote:  I'm thinking it's the face covering that is the major obstacle not the rest of her dress. And I'm for not having faces covered in public like this in any way. Sorry, but after 911 too much is uncertain and hiding one's face leaves one open to suspicion and unease. I understand her religious beliefs etc. but in public...sorry. What if she wanted a driver's license? Do you take her picture like that? I think it invites all kinds of problems when one's face cannot be seen.

Laurie - Thanks for sharing your view. For a bit there I thought no one had a feeling either way on this topic.

I think we had that very license situation you described here in the US. And I think they ruled that all 'document' photo's could not be veiled. I'd have to look it up to be sure.

I remember that Denise. I'm thinking it could be NY. That's basically all I have a problem with personally. I don't believe one's face should be covered like this in public. I don't even like seeing men/woman in full ski masks in the winter here! It really has nothing to do with religion, for me.