Sarkozy orders bill on banning full Islamic veils

[pampango]

Source: BBC

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered parliament to debate a law banning women from wearing full-face Islamic veils in public, officials say. Last year he said such veils oppressed women and were not welcome in France.

The proposal has provoked intense debate about religious freedom in a secular society, as well as the position of Muslims in France.

The country's highest administrative body has suggested such a law might be unconstitutional. The State Council said last month any such law could be in violation of the French constitution as well as the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The interior ministry says only 1,900 women wear full veils in France, home to Europe's biggest Muslim minority.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8635178.stm