Introducing tolerance as the latest trend
While “burqa bans” are being contemplated across Europe, France is probably the most vocal in denouncing the garment. Last week, French Parliamentarians voted 336-1 in favor of a bill that would fine women U.S. $190 if they are caught wearing a face-covering veil on the street, in public parks, on buses or in shops. Men who force their wives or daughters to wear a burqa or niqab will face a fine of U.S. $38,000 and face up to a year in prison.
This bill is counterintuitive to women’s empowerment by further isolating a supposedly abused subsection of the population. Worse, it perpetuates stereotypes that Muslim women are submissive and validates racism and Islamophobia in our society.
