In July, the National Assembly voted 335-1 to pass the law, which bears the formal name "Forbidding the Concealing of the Face in the Public Space." Al-Jazeera reported that the text does not actually contain the words "veil" or "Islam."
Today's move, however, is clearly directed at the relatively small number of Muslim women who opt for covering their faces with full veils or garments such as burqas. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who supports the new law, has said that women who wear the burqa are "not welcome" in the country.
Islam is France's second-largest religion, and the new law is expected to set off a new wave of controversy. Critics claim the restriction is a violation of individual rights that will keep observant Muslim women from leaving their homes rather than go outside without facial covering. The law's advocates maintain that it will prevent men from forcing their wives, sisters and daughters to wear the veil, which many regard as a symbol of submission.
Legal challenges to the proposed law will be heard by the country's Constitutional Council, and some within the government are already arguing that the law is unconstitutional.
When will the new law go into effect?
If not overturned by French courts, and legal challenges are expected, the law will begin being enforced in six months' time, after a period of "education" during which authorities will notify women of the new law and its repercussions, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
What is the punishment for wearing a burqa?
According to The Associated Press, women who violate the new law face a fine of $195, mandatory classes in French citizenship or a combination of both. In addition, men who are found to force women to fully veil their faces could be fined $39,000, and could receive up to a year in prison if the female in question is a minor.
Is France the only country seeking to ban the burqa?
Turkey banned all Muslim head scarves at universities in 1997 and has since loosened the restriction to those that cover the neck and face, the BBC reported, including the burqa. Egypt and Syria also recently banned burqas at their universities. Spain and Belgium are currently considering passing similar laws.
Which types of veils are not allowed under the ban?
Under the new law, both the niqab, a facial scarf with a separate head covering, and the burqa would be outlawed in public spaces. According to estimates, roughly 2,000 women out of France's estimated Muslim population of up to 6 million wear such veils, the BBC reported. The law does not ban the hijab, a head scarf that leaves a woman's face uncovered.
(FYI: Islam is France's second largest faith.)
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