Banning the Burqa in France

On Monday 11th April an undoubtedly controversial law came into effect in France which enforces a ban on women wearing the Niquab or Burqa on the street in France. France prides itself on being a secular state, which is a state devoid of any religious influence and for a long time already, religious symbols have been banned in public schools. But one cannot help wondering if this new law has some discriminatory undertones to it.

On one hand, I am completely opposed to women being forced to cover themselves up. It is sexist and oppressive to make a woman hide parts of her body because it is seen as indecent, especially when the parts of her body concerned are completely natural and inoffensive. These women are being deprived of freedom of speech, however, the French government's new law is depriving them just the same, as it also forces these women to dress in a certain manner.

On the other hand, the burqa and niqab are often worn simply as religious symbols; many women wear them not because they are being made to, but because they choose to. These religious symbols can function just as the cross to Catholics and Christians and the star of David to the Jewish faith. One particular religion is being targeted by this law and these women should be able to wear what they choose whether they have been made to or not. As the old cliché goes: two wrongs don't make a right.

So all this in the name of laïcité? This law, which is meant to keep the streets peaceful and safe, just seems unnecessary. Although a small minority perhaps demonstrates the contrary, most people are capable of living side by side peacefully, despite differing beliefs. As long as people's religion does not impede the rights of others or cause harm to people, why should some be unable to simply show that they belong to one particular faith?

Despite the reasons that the government has provided to justify this act, the whole issue is very tentative and I firmly believe that there is some discrimination at play here. This law is an extremely serious one considering the fact that it is designed to affect such a small group of people; it is believed that only 2,000 women wear the burqa or niqab in France.

Women and men alike should have the freedom to wear what they choose as long as they do not cause harm to or discriminate against others. I for one do not agree with the fact that men are able to make their wives, daughters or sisters dress in a certain way, but I do not believe the government, which advocates equality and fights against sexism, should have the right to oppress these women either.