France is a step closer to banning the burqa. A committee has presented the parliament with a report proposing a ban on burqas in public transport, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.
According to the report the clothing, which completely covers a woman's body leaving only the eyes visible, "unacceptably challenges" French values. However the proposal stops short of banning the strict Islamic dress on the streets and in shopping centres.
President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his opposition to the garment last year by saying the burqa is not welcome in France.
Critics of legislation against burqas say it stigmatises Muslims. There are 6 million Muslims in France. Only 2000 women are believed to wear burqas.
Photo: Flickr / niomix2008
photo by niomix2008
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