French president: Burkas not welcome here
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/06/23/france.burkas/index....
"PARIS, France (CNN) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned the wearing of burkas on Monday, saying the traditional Muslim garment that covers women from head to toe was a "sign of subservience" and was not "welcome in France."
In a speech before a joint session of parliament, Sarkozy said, "The problem of the burka is not a religious problem. This is an issue of a woman's freedom and dignity. This is not a religious symbol. It is a sign of subservience; it is a sign of lowering. I want to say solemnly, the burka is not welcome in France."
Sarkozy's statement comes as debate rages in France about Muslim women wearing the covering, with some French lawmakers calling for a ban on them.
"We cannot accept in our country women trapped behind a fence, cut off from social life, deprived of any identity. This is not the idea that we have of a woman's dignity," the president said.
He urged parliament to further debate the issue."
Opinions, anyone?
"PARIS, France (CNN) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned the wearing of burkas on Monday, saying the traditional Muslim garment that covers women from head to toe was a "sign of subservience" and was not "welcome in France."
In a speech before a joint session of parliament, Sarkozy said, "The problem of the burka is not a religious problem. This is an issue of a woman's freedom and dignity. This is not a religious symbol. It is a sign of subservience; it is a sign of lowering. I want to say solemnly, the burka is not welcome in France."
Sarkozy's statement comes as debate rages in France about Muslim women wearing the covering, with some French lawmakers calling for a ban on them.
"We cannot accept in our country women trapped behind a fence, cut off from social life, deprived of any identity. This is not the idea that we have of a woman's dignity," the president said.
He urged parliament to further debate the issue."
Opinions, anyone?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by elaine kilshaw on -
I heard this on the news yesterday in the UK and I cheered.
Woman are mens equal. We all know what would have happened if men were the child bearers.
Just a sign that the world is waking up. I certanly would not be allowed to wear my shorts in these countries I would be imprissoned for life.
Freedom is for all. It is just a small step for mankind, where have I heard that before.
I will be following this very carefully.
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Permalink Reply by Dave G on -
Well, that'll be sure to trigger some protests.
While I must agree that the 'women must wear X, women must be covered' rules of Islam are repulsive, both in their stated and actual purposes, I also don't like the government saying 'No one is allowed to wear X'.
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Permalink Reply by Misty: Baytheist Living! on -
I sorta see where Elaine is coming from.
When I'm in an Islamic country, I respect their modes of dress. I don't bear my legs in some places, or even arms or hair in others. It always seemed to me like it was a double standard. I wasn't Muslim, why the hell did I have to dress like one? Oh, because I'm in their country, and that's what they saw as appropriate. Well, the reverse should be true, too.
Outside of general respect, i see where Dave is coming from... but there is also this:
Burkas make a person unidentifiable. That is a security risk. You can be asked by authorities, shop owners and other people while in public to remove hoodies other identifying-covering articles of clothing. Just because you're wearing a religious article instead of a ski mask doesn't make you special. You sure as hell shouldn't be able to wear one while driving because of visibility issues and speed camera problems (U.K mainly for the speed cameras)
Religion doesn't make you above the law.
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Permalink Reply by Misty: Baytheist Living! on
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Bare even..
not bear.
Cuz that's just scary.
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Permalink Reply by GT on -
Well maybe he can also urge god to appear in the parliament and enter the show/debate/life. I think it's about time he made it to the show, rather being hidden in the script(ures) all the time.
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Permalink Reply by Misty: Baytheist Living! on
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If he doesn't, does that mean Sarkozy wins by default?
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Permalink Reply by GT on
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Thanks Misty this is an interesting topic with contrapuntal issues, security, safety, free will, subservience, religion and state. But wrapped up easily in 'stupid religon.' Anyhow your point first, general public security & safety issues - like what does the garb hide or obstruct? Yes I can see your point & would agree, just get rid of it. Yet how does the person, in this case a woman feel about wearing the garb i.e. does she feel like wearing it or not? Stepping on her 'free' will? maybe? Or is it as the prez sayz, the burka's more 'a sign of subservience.' I think this is more likely the case, so just get rid of it. Here is something else to add to the pot - apparently Sarkoksy wants to reduce the separation of church and state. Well I think you are right there aren't gonna be no apparition. Maybe just an email or twitter from god to Sarkoksy. So all in all default looks good I'll back your suggestion. I'm all for wearing thongs, shorts and a tee shirt!!!
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Permalink Reply by Misty: Baytheist Living! on
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Thongs are a no go for me. Too easy for a virus to get transmitted in public transportation setting! You might not be able to get pregnant from a toilet seat, but you damn sure can get crabs from an upholstered chair!
General health and hygiene laws should apply. Everything else is up to the person (as long as it doesn't interfere with public safety.)
If Muslim women are allowed to wear their Burkas in public, then I should be allowed to mirror tint my car windows. Fair is fair.
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Permalink Reply by alex chavez on -
it's just wrong to penalize burkas, just like in a little town i used to live they wanted to penalize baggy pants!!!!, instead of penalizing burkas why don't they create the conditions so women can free their selves from religion
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Permalink Reply by GT on
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New developments in the 'burka' debate - for summer it's the ' burqini' or 'burkini.' Looks like a full steamer wetsuit including hood. Perhaps worthwhile to stop skin cancer.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/aussie-burqini-sparks-religious-storm-i...
"The Islamic beachwear known as the burqini – the head-to-toe swimsuit designed by a Lebanese Australian and seen commonly in swimming pools and beaches in Sydney and Melbourne - has caused a stir in Europe and been banned in French pools."
and here is the french connection -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8197917.stm
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