The Associated Press: Sarkozy says burqas are ‘not welcome’ in France — This should be fun to watch. This garb seems more of a political statement than a religious one.
President Nicolas Sarkozy declared Monday that the Islamic burqa is not welcome in France, branding the face-covering, body-length gown as a symbol of subservience that suppresses women’s identities and turns them into “prisoners behind a screen.”
In a high-profile speech to lawmakers in the historic chateau at Versailles, Sarkozy said the head-to-toe Muslim body coverings were in disaccord with French values — some of the strongest language against burqas from a European leader at a time when some Western officials have been seeking to ease tensions with the Muslim world…
“The burqa is not a religious sign, it’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement — I want to say it solemnly,” he said. “It will not be welcome on the territory of the French Republic.”
I have to agree with Sarkozy there. Even though I am a Muslim but i dont think Burqas are necessary anymore considering you can get along easily now a days. Of course u need Burqas in a muslim countries like Saudi Arabia but when youre living in France, or any other western country, then you dont need it. I always say, when living in rome, do as the romans do.
#59, Hugh,
Many have the choise of wearing it or not.
Those Muslims who do not wear one do so because of that choice.
The whole rational behind the burka and hajib is not to protect the woman, but so a man will not be tempted by a woman’s beauty. Those that do wear one do so because of the pressure from the men in her life – fathers, husbands, and local temple traditions.
Sarkozy’s history does not mean he can not also have a valid opinion on this subject. I do agree with that many of the posts above are purely intent upon bashing Muslims for the sake of bashing Muslims. Here though, Sarkosy explained himself and his rational quite well.
Oopps, in my #62 I called them temples. Wrong. They are called Mosques. Whatever the eff the difference is is beyond me, but hey, …
I guess a lot of nuns wouldn’t be welcome as well.
#64, qb,
Only those with “bad habits”. The “good habits” would be welcome.
Turkey is 98% Muslim, yet Kemal Ataturk, “father of Turkey” banned traditional Muslim garb. Not just the burqa. Men were executed (true, some 80 years ago) for refusing to stop wearing the fez. It was unfortunate for the individuals, but the results have been generally positive. Wake up and smell the 20th ^H^H^H^H 21st century.
Perhaps Sarkozy is foreseeing a time when voluminous clothing will be banned everywhere because of suicide bombers.
# 60 deowll said, “It is in the Koran.”
I’ve searched a couple of English versions and couldn’t find it. Where did you read that?
#62 Fusion
Sorry. Not a good enough reason to ban something. Advertising billboards are often a symbols of women’s oppression (not to mention oppression in general), but you wont see them being banned.
Also, does this mean I cant wear my ninja suit in France?
# 25 bobbo, not catching red herrings said, in part:
Several evangelical Christian sects dress their women in clothes that stand out somewhat in modern society. And of course there are the Amish. But at least those clothes only go back to the 1800s — burqas are from, what, the 700s?
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa
#68, Hugh,
billboards are often a symbols of women’s oppression
ooooo, now that is an excellent point.
My weak argument (I hope it hold some validity) in response is, there is a difference between objectifying women for their femininity and subjugating and oppressing them because of they are women.
I know I got tired of being held up as a sex symbol when I was younger, but I was never forced to physically suffer. I could mingle in society, talk with anyone willing to talk with me, and be regarded as an equal.
But damn, that is a good point.