Banning the Burqa

by Sara Starkey

The burqa is a long, heavy material which covers a woman from her head to her ankles and has a net- or screen- like section to cover the eyes. This practice, found in some Islamic traditions, is to ensure that both men and women behave in a modest manner, an important facet of the religion. Many believe it contradicts Muslim law but others believe the Islamic holy book, the Qur'an, supports this and other such dress like the chador or the niqab. During Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the government made a law forcing women to wear the burqa. The Taliban believe that "the face of a woman is a source of corruption," (Gohari). Along with this law they banned women from going to school, working and going into public without a male chaperone. Breaking any of these rules would result in beatings, jail sentences and even execution. Because of this turbulent period in Afghanistan, the burqa has now become an international symbol of female oppression.

Around the World

Although no longer a mandatory law in Afghanistan, women still wear the burqa. Why? Reasons vary from avoiding unwanted male attention, to fear of becoming a victim to the recent increase in kidnappings, to rapes and murders of women not wearing one, to their fathers or husbands force them to, and some believe that it is the wish of Allah. Whatever their reason, many from the Western world believe that the burqa is a symbol of oppression and unequal and unfair treatment of women. This is the foundation of France's ban, and a reason why many other countries have put this issue on the political agenda. Spain, Belgium, Turkey and Egypt have already implemented laws against this type of dress.

France's Law

France's recent ban on the burqa in public arenas has sparked debate around the world. The French Parliament has released a statement indicating that the practice is "contrary to the values of the French republic," (Ridgewell). They hold the values that the religious implications of burqa have no place in a secular government. Violators of the law face fines and possible jail time. Women caught violating this ban can face up to $200 in fines. Men face a much more severe penalty if caught forcing a woman to don the attire, up to $20,000 in fines and face a jail sentence.  

Canada

Canada is now examining the possibility of following in France's footsteps, but the Canadian government is reluctant to take a stand as this would create discrepancies in the Charter of Rights. Regardless, a call for a ban is being supported by a diverse group of people including a group of Muslim women who feel the practice of wearing a "masks, niqabs and burkas [...] marginalizes women," and is an "embarrassment" to the Muslim community, says Farzana Hassan, a member of the Muslim Canadian Congress. She goes on to say, "this practice has become a political issue promoted by extremists," noting that it has little to do with religion and more to do with gender inequality, "The burqa has absolutely no place in Canada."

In Quebec, the 2007 election caused controversy when women who donned the burqa were forced to take off their veils to vote. Since 2006, this issue has been a hot topic on the political agenda and has resulted in a call for a new law to be passed forbidding the burqa in public arenas. According to Bill 94, now underway, "The general practice holds that a member of the staff of the administration of government ... and a person to whom services are being rendered ... will have their faces uncovered during the rendering of services," (Selley). This means that any government or service industry employee will not be allowed to wear the full-body covering at their workplace, or will receive service in the public spectrum, for example, receiving care from a doctor or going to school. This bill would effectively outlaw any clothing masking the face. Quebec Premier Jean Charest explains, "This is a symbol of affirmation and respect -- first of all, for ourselves, and also for those to whom we open our arms [...] This is not about making our home less welcoming, but about stressing the values that unite us," (CBC).

Voice Your Opinion

Quebec is ahead of the rest of Canada, but polls have shown that a majority of Canadians support Quebec's initiative. What is your opinion on this issue? How do you feel about the burqa? How do you feel about France's ban? What do you think about Canada joining ranks with France, Belgium and Spain on this battle against religious dress?

To read background information about the burqa visit: Sara Starkey, "Banning the Burqa".

To read my opinion on the ban visit: Sara Starkey

To find out more on the restrictions imposed on women during Taliban rule see Amnesty.

Bibliography

M. J. Gohari (2000). The Taliban: Ascent to Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 108-110.

Nurwisah, Ron. "Muslim Group Calls for Burqa Ban in Canada." National Post. October 7, 2009. Web. November 9, 2010.

 "Quebec will Require Bare Face for Service." Cbc.ca. March 24, 2010. Web. November 9, 2010.

Ridgewell, Henry. "French National Assembly Approves Burqa Ban." Voice of America. July 13, 2010. Web. Octover 25, 2010.

Selley, Chris. Legislating Xenophobia. National Post. March 26, 2010. Web. November , 2010.

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