I just cannot see forcing a woman to reveal a part of her body she is not comfortable revealing as

[MADem]

173. I have a personal and visceral dislike of the whole concept of hijab, particularly the aggressive

type that covers everything save hands, feet and the smallest possible area of the face.

The reason is that I KNOW, from up close and personal observation in Islamic cultures, that it is not voluntary--it is mandated, by men, and by a patriarchal culture. It's not choice, really, when you face a beating or worse for not complying--and that is the case in countries like Iran and KSA.

So, while I sit back and say "It's their country" I am also heartened that well over half of France agrees with limits on religious costumes, particularly outlandish and oppressive ones, and that most of the rest of the country just doesn't care. There's not a lot of support for forcing women to wear hot, uncomfortable clothes in the name of some faith, while their husbands and fathers sashay in front of them, cool and comfy, in tee shirts.

But yeah, they will do their thing, and it's not up to us--which is as it should be!