FROM April 11 onwards, the full face veils worn by Muslim women will be illegal in public places all over France.
According to news reports, women who are found to be wearing the niqab, the full-face Muslim veil, in any public place can be fined about $210. In effect, Muslim women cannot wear the full face veil in any public place such as sidewalks, public transportation, hospitals, theaters or museums, under provisions of the controversial law.
The law goes into effect April 11. However, face veils can be worn in women’s homes, places of worship or in a private vehicle.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has already ordered a nationwide debate on the role of Islam in secular France and has said he wants no halal food options in school canteens, no prayers outside and no minarets.
Halal which means ‘legal’ is a term used to designate food seen as permissible according to Islamic law.
The law is officially known as the law against ‘covering one’s face in public places’. Under this definition, wearing any face covering, such as hooded jackets or masks, would be illegal.
