It’s show your face day in France.
France enforces the veil ban today that makes it a crime to wear the full face burqa in public.
The women will be forced to show their face in public on streets.
Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty reported:
A controversial law banning the wearing of garments that cover the face in public comes into force in France today.
It’s the first such nationwide ban to be enforced in an EU country, after similar efforts in Belgium last year were derailed by a government crisis.
The ban primarily affects Muslim women who wear the full-face veil, barring it from government buildings, public services, streets, and entertainment venues.
Proponents argue it is necessary on grounds of security, gender equality, and upholding France’s secular system. The ban also enjoys broad public support in France, with four out of five polled in a survey last year (Pew Global Attitudes Project) saying they approved.
Critcs Claim Ban Increases Harrassment
But critics say it violates rights such as freedom of expression and religion. And many Muslims say they have felt stigmatized during the intense debate that preceded the adoption of the law, as well as by a recent divisive debate on French national identity, and a 2004 law banning Islamic headscarves in classrooms.
Kenza Dryder, a mother-of-four, told Reuters she has faced harassment for wearing the face veil since the law was approved last year:
“I’ve had to deal with every form of abuse,” she said.
“Verbal, moral, physical abuse. Someone [even] assaulted me with a knife. The life I’ve had since the start of this debate? Well, when going outside, I constantly get looks of hatred, insults.”
