For the first time since the ban on the Islamic veil in France came into effect in April 2011, two French women have been fined for wearing the niqab in Meaux, east of Paris.
The lawyer for one of the women said that the decision would be appealed to the Supreme Court in France and if appropriate to the European Court of Human Rights. She maintains the measure is incompatible with legislation regarding freedom of religion. Readers of the Bulletin may remember that the French Constitutional court upheld the ban's compatibility with the French Constitution.
In defence of the ban's implementation, the French government maintains that it is imperative for public safety and to protect women's welfare. Amnesty International refutes this claim, stating that the State can "protect women against such stereotypes, violence against women and discriminatory attitudes." John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia commented: "This is a travesty of justice and a day of shame for France. These women are being punished for wearing what they want. Instead of protecting women's rights, this ban violates their freedom of expression and religion."
Click here to view a press release by Amnesty International.
Click here to view a piece on the issue by The Guardian newspaper.