An important event occurred in France, the ban on burqas. On September 14, 2010, the French senate passed a law banning burqas, a full face veil worn by Muslim women. The French senate stated that the law was passed to ensure gender equality, women’s dignity, security, and to uphold French values. The law is justified and fair. It has nothing to do with prejudice; its purpose is to improve national security and ensure equal rights for all.    

            This law has brought a huge upset to the world. Some feel that France does not have the right to ban the veils and some feel the law is justified. With protests in Pakistan and Al Qaida warnings, the law has caused a worldwide debate and has riled up many countries.

            “There is no valid reason France should ban the veils and is extremely prejudice,” said Cassady Latham. Many believe that the outlawing of veils is an utter outrage. Muslims around the world have taken offense to the law, although France claims that the law was not intended to offend Muslims.

            While many are upset by France’s law, many also believe that the law is justified, “Muslims should be able to practice their religion without putting the general public at risk. No one knows who’s behind the veil so it could be used as a legal way to conceal a terrorist’s identity,” stated Alyssa Harben. Veils could be seen as a national security issue; if officers can not see who is behind the veil, then it would be difficult to find a criminal.

            “Any prejudice of any culture is intolerant and should be frowned upon by modern society,” said Julian Faulkner. Even though the veils do cause a security issue, many people believe that France made the law out of prejudice. Some believe that there are invalid, spiteful, reasons that France made the law and that it all has to do with being prejudice against Muslims.

            Another viewpoint on why the ban is a good thing is women’s rights. “The ban is extreme, but good, because it will lead to equality for all,” claimed Jesse Stedman. Although the ban affects less than two thousand women in France, many believe that the Muslim tradition of covering women’s faces is very sexist and unfair to the women that participate.

            “Followers of the Muslim faith have a right to be outraged and to speak out against France,” said Latham. Muslims are offended by the law and have publicly demonstrated their dismay toward the law. People around the world have openly protested the law and expressed anger toward France. Those people are expecting the law to be eliminated and an apology from the French government.

            “To enforce French values and bring security to the nation is a valid reason,” stated Casey Cardona. Those who support the ban on veils believe that the law was made for valid reasons such as to protect women’s rights and to enforce a higher security to prevent catastrophic attacks from occurring. “Prejudice has nothing to do with the law being made,” stated Stedman.

            There are two different viewpoints on the whole issue. If the two sides can come to terms with on another, a solution will arise. Hopefully, violence does not have to occur over this issue and will be settled peacefully.