On April 11th, 2011, France was the first European country to announce and establish a law of banning Muslim women from wearing a veil or a burqa (a Muslim head covering) in public, and if any women who have seen wearing the Islamic symbol will be fined 150 euros and a possible elimination from obtaining the French citizenship.
Those who favored the ban argued that face coverings contradict France's principle of 'vivre ensemble,' or living together (French has a policy of minority assimilation) and so women who wear the veil harms the unity of France. There are also feminist arguments that the headwear in some way oppresses women.
On the other hand, those who wish to wear them argue that the ban violates freedom of religion and expression, both rights contained within the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
You can read more here: http://dw.com/p/1ISst
And here is more information of how other European countries regard this cultural practice: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-13038095
Do you agree or disagree with the French law?
Why do you agree?
Why do you disagree?
It is proposed that the French government should continue with the ban on wearing the veil.