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Express your views on burqa ban |
The continuous calls by the French government for banning different Islamic traditions pertaining to Muslims' dress code may support the impression frequently expressed by many intellectuals that the French Muslim community, the biggest Muslim minority in Europe, is being discriminated against by the French secular government. While secularism guarantees freedom of choice, religion, and expression, the French government has backed a call by André Gérin, a Communist Party member, to form a parliamentary commission investigating the proposed ban on burqa/ niqab.
Less Integration, More Islamophobia
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While French Muslims are being asked to integrate into their societies, positively contribute to it, and respect their civic obligations, it may sound illogical to ask them to accept the French state's intervention in their right to freely exercise their religious duties, a right guaranteed by the international law under the themes of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.
Moreover, the call for banning the burqa can serve to increase Islamophobia and worsen the hostile attitude toward many Islamic traditions and norms already noticeable in France society. Some opine that France is becoming very creative in provoking its Muslims through the recent several anti-Islamic trends camouflaged with the notion of secularism.
Burqa Ban Validity
The fact that the French intelligence service found out that only 367 women in France wear the all-covering burqa can be seen as a great defense of the invalidity of such ban. Also, under the principles of secularism promoted in Europe, it is illogical to take away women's freedom concerning their way of dressing based on the assumption that a certain dress can hinder a woman's freedom in different walks of life. From day one of our coverage of this issue on the European Muslims page of IslamOnline.net, we have been receiving many comments from Western Muslims, especially European Muslims, on the proposed ban on burqa in France.
It is worth mentioning here that Gérin's call was followed by another burqa ban debate in Denmark where Danish lawyers in the Ministry of Justice have concluded that a ban on the burqa would be against both the Danish constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Get Your Voice Heard
In an attempt to bridge the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe, we encourage European Muslims to make their voices heard and to speak up for their rights and beliefs. To highlight the religious and cultural values, rights, and obligations of European Muslims, we offer everyone the opportunity to send their comments, suggestions, and complaints to the French committee in charge of deciding on the burqa ban.
The floor is now open for you to leave your message. You can express your views on whether the proposed burqa ban can affect the integration of French Muslims. You can also express you opinion on the relationship between the burqa ban and secularism.
Use the Add Your Comment tool or send your message here. All messages will be filtered, compiled in a report entitled Burqa Ban in the Eyes of Our European Audience, and then sent to the French committee by the middle of October 2009. The French committee will release its report in November.
The voices of European Muslims and non-Muslims who believe in the basic human freedoms can play an essential role in shaping the European public opinion on this proposed ban. If you think that this compilation of views may not substantially affect the committee's decision, you can at least support the stance of Muslims in France; inform the committee of your take on this.
It is highly recommended that you mention your country, age, and profession before posting your comment. However, you may do that anonymously if you prefer to do so.
Be positive, express your opinion, and make your voice heard.
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