On French Ban Against Face Covering

12 April 2011

Law as it is (French): http://www.senat.fr/petite-loi-ameli/2009-2010/700.html


Let me start by saying that this law does NOT use words such as Muslim (Musulman), Veil (Voile), or Women (Femmes). It is therefore wrong to call it the 'burqa' law as I have read in many articles or debates on it. 


For that reason, I think way too much attention is given to this newly enforced law.
Thus, I believe that the two of my French Muslim niqabi sisters, and some more of my fellow French citizens, who went to illegally and illicitly demonstrate yesterday just did what Sarkozy was dying for:   

1. bring international attention to him, his ugly and narrow-minded thinking of the French diversity
2. further stigmatise and fuel the fear of the 'Other'.

Therefore, to me, these protesters made a serious mistake. Especially since the French political and social debate is already taking care of emphasising all the problems surrounding this law, namely: stigmatisation, unrest and extreme difficulty of its enforcement.

From what I understand of the French text and debate, this law has been passed on to control and prevent anyone to cover their faces with masks, veils, etc. This law was not just directed towards fully veiled Muslim women. Indeed, this law is also designed to tackle the increasing number of youth who demonstrated in the recent years covering their faces to vandalise everything around them - but this is genuinely overlooked by critics.


In my opinion, this law can be considered as making a step towards more freedom of will. As it guarantees any French citizens the right to take legal action against family members forcing them to wear a garment they would rather not wear. And, in my opinion, is a very good thing, because unfortunately, as we all know, many sisters do not cover out of self-expression of faith and/or free will. (Correct me if I am wrong.)


Now Muslims around the world who attack the French decision to enforce this law should think about it, should read further about French history, French 'laïcité' which they wrongly define as and/or amalgamate with American or British secularism. France is unique in its 'secular', or I should say 'laïque', ideals and this should not be overlooked either.


As a French Muslim woman and academic, I believe the French 'laïcité' and all the values of the Republic are utterly compatible with Islam, at least my understanding of it. (I hope I will be able to write about this very topic in a near future.)

Why no Muslim takes such a strong stand against the Saudi government? They force women to fully cover, don't they? So I am asking my fellow faithful Muslims to tell me whether this is Islamic, whether this should be protested against too by all of us around the world?


This French law just seeks to allow Muslim women not to completely disappear under their garments. And, most certainly, to ponder about the impact of their decision to fully cover in the French society, the impact they make upon their fellow French citizens, and the message they pass on about their faith to a society that is alien to and often misunderstands, and fears, such traditional and conservative practices. 

Tareq Oubrou, imam of Bordeaux's mosque, where I am from, said during a conference on January 2011 that the law is the law and as Muslims and French citizens we should respect the law of our country. I agree 100%, and of course I don't always respect it myself: speeding or parking anywhere I wish regardless of the law, are the most common disrespects of the law I commit... but, if they catch me: I pay. You fraud, you take responsibility of your actions. Simple.

Now, if some French citizens want to challenge the law, there are many ways they can actively do so because they are lucky enough to live in a democratic system in which individuals can raise discontents and take legal, social, and political actions against what they believe is unfair. And doing so in a lawful manner is essential.


I would like to finish saying that Muslims in France are not oppressed as many Muslims across the world argue. When I am in my country I am told, and can see very clearly, that French Muslims love France and are happy there. Even those who are from different ethnic origins. Indeed, they would rather stay live in France then go back to their, or grandparents or parents, home countries. Why confront one another on petty differences such as the way we dress? If you are a French Muslim woman and want to fully cover for the sake of Allah swt then feel free do so,... but in my opinion you shouldn't complain or accuse your government of 'Islamophobia' or 'racism' if you get caught. Take full responsibility of your actions.


French government is far from being 'purely evil', or for that matters, the 'very best' with its communities, but which country is? France deals with it in a certain way, a way that most French people see fits. France has ideals that I personally have been enjoying since my birth and find very much compatible with my Muslim faith. However, some people in the French government should definitely take another long look at the values of the Republic written in the constitution (especially Art.1, see endnotes below), they may find that they are often forgetful of and not doing justice to these beautiful values.




Endnotes:

Article 1.

France shall be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion. It shall respect all beliefs. It shall be organised on a decentralised basis.

Statutes shall promote equal access by women and men to elective offices and posts as well as to position of professional and social responsibility.

Source English: http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/english/8ab.asp
Source French: http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/connaissance/constitution.asp