French burqa ban raises eyebrows
Europe is usually viewed as a more liberal and religiously tolerant place by Americans, which is why the recent French ban on wearing burqas and niqabs traditional face-covering garments worn by Islamic women has been met with surprise and controversy.
The law passed by both the lower-house and senate in France went into effect on April 11, and so far two women have reportedly been arrested when they wore veils at a protest in the country that same day. It imposes a $190 fine for wearing the face covers and/or a French citizenship course, and for those forcing a woman to wear the veil, the punishment can include a year in jail along with a $19,000 fine.
While no such ban has been discussed much in the United States, members of the Muslim community in Commerce have spoken out about the bans in Europe. Senior psychology major Sarha Habeeb said she felt the law was out of line.
"I do think it's wrong," she said. "Even when they say it's more about identity, I am still offended. There are other ways to identify people."
Habeeb said the head-scarf and veil send a message in Muslim society and banning them can cause a loss of security for Muslim women.
"I only wear [the head scarf] when I attend mosque," she said. "As a Muslim woman, they are mandatory. Wearing a burqa is optional. Wearing a scarf means the men need to lower their gaze of the woman. A privacy would be taken away, because I would not be able to hide from their gaze."
Junior and former president of the Muslim Student Association Monsuru Gaji said burqas and face covers are on the strict side of the religion.
"It's the extreme," he said. "It's like a woman is supposed to be holy, but anything that reveals a woman's face now it comes to the point where they have to be covered. I think that's the extremists of the religion."
Still, Gaji said the burqa ban did seem like a move against Muslims and labeled it a "smoke screen."
"I would say it's kind of an attack, especially in Germany," he said. "I think the way [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel is addressing the multicultural issue, it's kind of an attack. I thought it was kind of a typical thing that happens when economic problems come up. Instead of addressing the issues with that, they focus on social issues that really don't affect how the government will govern."
Gaji said the head-scarf was not only found in the Muslim religion and is a universal sign of purity.
"If you haven't noticed, the Holy Mother Mary is wearing the exact same thing," he said. "So, in a historical and cultural context, it's like this is a woman of holiness who kept herself pure. So if a woman wears that, that's also what it's supposed to say. If she's covered herself, it's like she is keeping herself protected to God until she is married."
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The East Texan News Articles
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE EAST TEXAN NEWS
- 'Expendables 2' epitomizes dumb but fun action
- 'The Bourne Legacy' disappoints with same old thrills
- Tasteless 'Total Recall' remake leaves audiences underwhelmed
- Actor chemistry saves 'The Watch' from being boring waste
- Batman goes out strong in final 'Dark Knight' film
- 'Ted' marks promising film career for McFarlane
- Stylistic choices sink 'Savages'
RECENT THE EAST TEXAN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK