Blog #11 New French Law Causes Protest at Notre Dame

Amani Wright
4/11/11
10:57am

Today, a new law sparked a protest, which ended in two women being arrested. While other countries have put restrictions on certain Muslim practices, such as women covering, this morning, France became the first nation to ban niqab veils being worn anywhere, including sidewalks.

French President Sarkozy began the journey of this morning’s ban two years ago, when he expressed his view on the matter; veils and coverings are imprisonment for the women who wear them. Sarkozy also feels that they are a form of oppression that contradict the nation’s values: dignity and equality. Last year, the parliament approved Sarkozy’s ban.

About twelve protestors, among them, three women wearing niqab, gathered in front of Notre Dame this morning. They proclaimed that the ban on niqab veils went against freedom of expression and religion.

The first woman was arrested for not evacuating when she was instructed to. She and the second woman were both arrested for participating in an “unauthorized demonstration.”

These women are not going to jail for this demonstration, but they may face a fine.

As stated in my last blog, also about loss of Muslim rights, the world is becoming less and less tolerant of Islam, though becoming more tolerant of other groups and ideas. One factor may be because of fear of terrorists.

However, in this case, the idea is more so that nations are doing Muslim women a favor. Much like Sarkozy, many leaders think they are ridding them of oppression, while these women feel the exact opposite.

France Burqa Ban Takes Effect; Two Women Detained