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Traffic Arrest Intensifies Debate In France Over Ban of Burqa and Niqab

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday's Irish Times reports that the debate in France over a proposed ban of the niqab and burqa (full face veils) (see prior posting) has intensified after it was learned that traffic police in the city of Nantes earlier this month fined a Muslim woman 22 Euros for driving a car while wearing a niqab. They claimed that her field of vision was obstructed by the veil. The woman's lawyer argues that the fine is not justified by concerns about road safety, and that it is a breach of human and women's rights.

Meanwhile the government confirmed that its proposed ban on the full face veil in all public places would apply to tourists as well as residents. This led to speculation that police might force luxury shoppers from the Gulf states to remove their veils on the Champs-Elysees.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on April 25, 2010 (boomark / email).