(Thumbnail image: CBC News)

It’s religion versus the republic in France, as government officials get closer to enacting a controversial law.

France’s National Assembly could soon pass a law banning the wearing of burqas. The issue is causing much debate between France and its Muslim population.

We’re looking at perspectives from CNN, The BBC, and The New York Times.

French officials proposed their plans to outlaw the veil in a 200-page report. If passed, the law would prevent anyone from wearing the burqa in public places like hospitals, schools, and government buildings.

So what’s the problem exactly? French majority leader Jean Francois Cope gives his position on CNN.

“… it is not only an article of clothing, it’s not at all. When you just hide your face, I am sorry it’s a position. It’s a choice, which is not compatible with the rules of the republic.”

But not everyone agrees with that view. An activist gave the BBC her take on the controversial proposal.

“It’s an infringement on human rights to ban pieces of clothing and I don’t think that the government should legislate for what women can and cannot wear.”

A New York Times reporter worries that the issue could lead to separation between France and its 3.5 million Muslim inhabitants.

“The debate raised concerns about the constitutionality of state mandates on dress and the possibility of aggravating tensions among France’s Muslims, many of whom feel alienated and excluded from social and economic progress.”

But how exactly do the women affected by this potential law feel? The BBC and CNN both talked to those caught in the center of this heated debate.

CNN: “You’re going to isolate these women and then you can’t say that it’s Islam that has denied them freedom, but that the law has.”

BBC: “Since I won’t take the veil off even if a law is passed it quite simply means I won’t go out. People think I’m in prison by wearing a Niqab, the prison is the place they will be putting me in by preventing me from moving around freely.”

So what do you think? Does the French government have the right to outlaw the wearing of burqas? Or does the practice of religion outweigh the law of the republic?
 

Writer: Maurice Scarborough

Producer: Brent Davidson