Proposed veil ban goes too far

Seattle Times: French officials have gone too far by proposing a complete ban on full Islamic veils in all public places.

The ban would prohibit Muslim women from wearing the burqa, a full head-to-toe veil with mesh over the eyes, and the niqab, which leaves slits open for the eyes.

Even tourists would be forced to remove veils when visiting France.

France has Western Europe’s largest Islamic population, with about 5 million Muslims. Around 2,000 women wear a full veil.

Currently, secular law calls for a ban only in places that might hinder work performance, such as schools and certain businesses.

The country’s top official for family planning calls women wearing burqas in France an “invasion” and claims banning the veil will send an important message.

When women are fighting for their rights and dignity in Afghanistan, how can France continue accepting the very thing they are fighting against?

In actuality, this ban would send a very different international message, one of growing Islamophobia in France.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.