There's something very, je ne sais pas, about sipping an espresso and nibbling a croissant while staring over Le Seine in Paris. One gets a distinct feeling if someone goes by with a baguette and wheels of Brie bobbing about in their bike basket. And there's certain fluidity to the melody of people talking en Francais.
Last Tuesday, France celebrated their individuality and independence for Bastille Day. However, their motto, "Freedom, equality, brotherhood" appeared remarkably ironic after the following day's events: the French National Assembly voted 335 to 1 to publicly ban the burqa-style Islamic veils worn by many Muslim women in the country.
If the bill is approved by the upper house and signed into law by President Nicolas Sarkozy, it will be the first national ban in Europe on the "burqa" a full-body cover that includes a mesh over the face and the "niqab" a full-face veil that leaves an opening only for the eyes.
Proponents say the bill is part of an effort to define and protect French values in the face of growing concern among the populace about the country's Muslim community. Sarkozy argues that the legislation (proposed a year ago) stems from a "moral responsibility" to uphold European values.
In addition, the government argues that face-covering burqas veil the ideal of women's equality and its secular tradition.
There has been strong public support.
There are more than 62 million people in France. Roughly 5 million are Muslim; it's estimated that no more than 1,900 women wear a burqa.
If the bill is passed, there will be a:
$190 fine for anyone found wearing the veil in public.
$38,000 fine and a year in jail for anyone who forces a woman to wear the veil in public.
This is possibly the most disturbing fact: the French parliament believes that women wear the veil only because they're forced. But unsurprisingly, there are many Muslim women who have already begun to protest that they will refuse to stop wearing the veil. This means they will refuse to leave their homes.
They are not protesting because their male relatives are forcing them, but because it is their decision to wear the religious garment.
Lawmakers "intend" to free women. Instead, it will restrict religious liberties and further imprison them.
The foundation of European cultural and political traditions is liberalism. Yet, a liberally minded individual understands that the use of force is neither an effective nor moral means of promoting values. Banning an expression of religious conviction in the name of protecting a liberal culture is purely satirical.
No matter what the reasoning national security, national identity, or the liberation of oppressed women this act is clear xenophobic intolerance of Muslim beliefs and aesthetics. If passed into law, it will only intensify the sense of discrimination Muslims feel, not only in France, but also throughout Western Europe.
Sarah T. Schwab is a Sunday OBSERVER contributor. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com or view her Web site at www.SarahTSchwab.com