Burqa Ban?

I’m sure at some point in all our lives, we have all had that terrible dream: you go to class/work/a party only to realize you’ve arrived completely naked. Needless to say, we are all thankful when the alarm goes off and we wake up in bed. However, this nightmare is quickly becoming a reality for women across France. Over the past several weeks, The New York Times has published several articles discussing the proposed French bill which would bar the burqa (a full body covering sometimes worn by Islamic women) throughout public places in France. It is time French citizens to step up and put a stop to this law.
French Preside Nicolas Sarkozy claims the complete burqa ban is important because the ban protects French values and would grant Islamic women more individual freedom. I am not denying that in some instances, the burqa can become oppressive, but certainly not in all cases. To some Muslims, the burqa or hijab is a sign of modesty. In these cases forcing Muslim women to go to public places without the hijab is the equivalent of requiring them to go naked.
In the high school I attended, we were required to wear uniforms everyday. Despite students’ endless complaining, the administration had one response the generally shut us up. A uniform means that all students look the same. Nobody can judge you based on what you are wearing; rather, your actions and words will speak for you. Let yourself be judged by whom you are not what you wear or what you look like. This statement is also true for Islamic women wearing any form of covering. Rather than oppressing these women, in free nations like France, the hijab can be an equalizing force. These women must now be judged for their skill and personality instead of how they look.
Since the French revolution, the motto of France has been “liberty, equality, and brotherhood” (in French of course). Liberty and equality? It is time for France to take a serious look in the mirror. This new law reeks of inequality and suppression. Furthermore, in the French constitution, Article 2 reads that France, “shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law. . .It shall respect all beliefs.” Banning a religious practice that is not harmful to the state of public well being does not provide equality or show respect to all beliefs. Further, this constitutional provision is extends to “all beliefs”, not just to traditional Western Judeo-Christian beliefs. As such, the practice of Islam is constitutionally protected in France.
Despite President Sarkozy’s efforts to ban the burqa, there are some signs of hope for Islamic women. The Supreme Court of France has warned President Sarkozy that if the burqa bill is enacted, the Court will likely rule it unconstitutional. Further, Arab nations are rallying with their fellow French Muslims in decrying this bill. Despite the growing opposition to the bill, not every country is threatened. According to recent New York Times articles, Belgium and Quebec are both considering enacting similar laws.
As the French government continues to push this law I challenge the French leadership and citizens to look closely at the individual rights at risk. The bill denies Muslim women freedom of expression and freedom to conform to the tenets of their chosen religion. President Sarkozy decries the burqa as oppressive to women and suppressing their rights. My question, Mr. Sarkozy, is: are you truly liberating these women or are you merely oppressing them in a different fashion?