signalsFrench Considering Burka Ban
June 24th 2009 22:25
Remember when France banned the headscarf in schools? Being a believer in the separation of church and state, I agree religious symbols should not be allowed if exposed in schools. Public schools in Italy, which is predominantly Catholic, had to remove crucifixes from schools when they began having a growing Muslim population. Since the headscarf is a religious symbol, it should not be allowed in public schools. On the other hand, if the school is a religious school, such as a Catholic schools here in the US, then symbols can be displayed. Some are also known as private schools.
Now France considers a burka ban. The French President considers it not a religious symbol but a sign of subservience. He says it is not welcome in France which has a staunchly secular constitution.
Is this a separation of church and state? My opinion is that it is BUT people do display religious 'symbols' in public and this is no different. The words by the French President are being focusing on his 'not welcomed' comment, when the focus should be on 'a sign of subservience' comment.
I know nothing about the French's secular constitution, so it will be interesting to see the outcome!
Now France considers a burka ban. The French President considers it not a religious symbol but a sign of subservience. He says it is not welcome in France which has a staunchly secular constitution.
Is this a separation of church and state? My opinion is that it is BUT people do display religious 'symbols' in public and this is no different. The words by the French President are being focusing on his 'not welcomed' comment, when the focus should be on 'a sign of subservience' comment.
I know nothing about the French's secular constitution, so it will be interesting to see the outcome!
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Comment by Mau-Medellin
Mau-Medellin
For example, I don't think the Public school down the road from my house should have a Crucifix in the foyer, though, if any students or staff wanted to wear a cross on a necklace then that is their decision - and in my opinion it is their right to display their faith on them.
I don't think the French government have really considered what they are doing if they do in fact ban the Burka. That are making a public statement that people are not welcome to display their faith on their person; in a manner that has a very limited effect on others.
Are they going to ban children from wearing baseball-caps? Surely wearing one backwards is a pretty subversive act.
I am a supporter of the separation of Church and State - but I don't think an individual is either the Church nor the State... so why do they have to be separated from their faith?
Mau-Medellin