[JURIST] French President Nicholas Sarkozy said Wednesday that the government will introduce legislation to ban traditional Muslim face veils in public places. Sarkozy’s announcement comes weeks after a French parliamentary commission charged with investigating whether to enact laws banning the wearing of burqas or other “full veils” released its report calling for a partial ban that would apply in public facilities, including hospitals, schools, and public transportation, and to any individual attempting to receive public services. Sarkozy supported the commission’s suggestions, saying:
The full veil is contrary to the dignity of women. The answer is to ban the full veil. The government will introduce a bill to ban consistent with the general principles of our law.While many people in France approve of the proposed legislation, such measures have also faced opposition from critics who say such a law would alienate France’s Muslim minority and violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which France is a signatory. Sarkozy did not give details about when or how the proposed law would take effect. Also this week, lawmakers in Quebec introduced a bill that would ban women wearing full face veils from public services, such as receiving care at a hospital or going to a public university. Supporters of the bill, such as the Muslim Canadian Congress, argue that the proposed law would not violate human rights and would promote the ideals of a free and democratic society. Others say the bill only discriminates against Muslims while allowing for other types religious clothing.