France’s Constitutional Council approved on Thursday the law banning full-face veils in public, declaring it conforms with the constitution, with the addition that it may violate religious freedom if it is enforced in public places of worship.
“The ban on covering the face in public places cannot constrain the practice of religious freedom in places of worship that are open to the public,” the council said in its judgment, AFP reported.
The bill, previously passed through both houses of Parliament, was offered for examination to the council by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s party with the idea that the European Court of Human Rights, which protects religious freedoms, might turn it down if it were too broad.
The law defines “in public” broadly, including government buildings, public transportation, private businesses, entertainment venues, and also all streets, markets, and thoroughfares. The law is due to be in effect early 2011, with a six-month initial period to explain to veil-wearing women they face a fine of 150 euros (US$209) or arrest if they wear one in public places.
Opponents say the law contradicts European human rights legislation and fear it stigmatizes Muslims, while only a small number of Muslims wear face-covering veils. Supporters praise the conservation of France’s core values with “respect for freedom of conscience and religion,” said Prime Minister Francois Fillon, AFP reported.
France is the first European country to accept such a law. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Spain, are considering similar laws.
“The ban on covering the face in public places cannot constrain the practice of religious freedom in places of worship that are open to the public,” the council said in its judgment, AFP reported.
The bill, previously passed through both houses of Parliament, was offered for examination to the council by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s party with the idea that the European Court of Human Rights, which protects religious freedoms, might turn it down if it were too broad.
The law defines “in public” broadly, including government buildings, public transportation, private businesses, entertainment venues, and also all streets, markets, and thoroughfares. The law is due to be in effect early 2011, with a six-month initial period to explain to veil-wearing women they face a fine of 150 euros (US$209) or arrest if they wear one in public places.
Opponents say the law contradicts European human rights legislation and fear it stigmatizes Muslims, while only a small number of Muslims wear face-covering veils. Supporters praise the conservation of France’s core values with “respect for freedom of conscience and religion,” said Prime Minister Francois Fillon, AFP reported.
France is the first European country to accept such a law. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Spain, are considering similar laws.
