Four years after the battle of the veil, French politicians from both sides of the aisle are demanding an Investigation Commission to stop the spread of the burka among Islamic women. (see full article in today’s Le Figaro) .
Should wearing the burka in public spaces be outlawed? That is one of the questions under discussion.
Four years ago the Islamic scarf was banned in public schools. After initial controversy (and the expulsion of some Sikh children who refused to remove their turbans), the ban on ostensible religious symbols has quietly been enforced. But tempers smolder.
For many the burka symbolizes the oppression of women. Why is it spreading?
That is one of the questions the Parliamentary Commission has been asked to explore.
It is worth noting that President Obama's recent speech saying the US would never limit religious clothing has not helped French officials in dealing with this serious problem.
