nhboy
Ubi bene ibi patria
France begins enforcement of controversial burqa ban | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 11.04.2011
"France has begun the implementation of its unprecedented ban on the burqa and niqab, full-body and face veils worn by some Muslim women. Starting Monday, those women who defy the law can be fined.
Parliament passed the ban last year with overwhelming support - only one member of the senate voted against it - making France the first country in the West to do so.
Police received a manual last week on how to enforce the ban, which only applies if the veils are worn in public. Officers may fine noncompliant women 150 euros ($216) and are not to remove the veils by force.
The law gives tougher penalties for anyone who forces a woman to wear the garments, with fines of up to 60,000 euros and up to two years in prison."
"France has begun the implementation of its unprecedented ban on the burqa and niqab, full-body and face veils worn by some Muslim women. Starting Monday, those women who defy the law can be fined.
Parliament passed the ban last year with overwhelming support - only one member of the senate voted against it - making France the first country in the West to do so.
Police received a manual last week on how to enforce the ban, which only applies if the veils are worn in public. Officers may fine noncompliant women 150 euros ($216) and are not to remove the veils by force.
The law gives tougher penalties for anyone who forces a woman to wear the garments, with fines of up to 60,000 euros and up to two years in prison."