[Marxism] Fw: Chirac to ban Muslim headscarves in schools

["John O'Neill" <johnfergaloneill@xxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: John O'Neill <johnfergaloneill@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: marxism <marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 1:48 AM
Subject: Chirac to ban Muslim headscarves in schools


> Chirac to ban Muslim headscarves in schools
> By Lara Marlowe in Paris
>
> FRANCE: President Jacques Chirac yesterday said he will seek a law banning
> the wearing of Islamic headscarves in French schools and lycées. He framed
> the announcement in a paean to the French Republic's tradition of
secularism
> and the promotion of equal rights for women.
> Though the law will also forbid Jewish skullcaps and large crosses, it
> clearly targets young Muslim women whose covered hair has dominated French
> political debate this winter. Mr Chirac said he hopes to see the law in
> force before the next school year begins in the autumn of 2004.
> "Sectarianism cannot be the choice of France," Mr Chirac told an audience
of
> 400 religious leaders, parliamentarians and students in a 40-minute speech
> at the Elysée Palace. Among the guests were many of the actors and writers
> who signed a petition in Elle magazine imploring Mr Chirac to ban the
> headscarf, which they describe as an "intolerable discrimination".
> Sectarianism, Mr Chirac continued, "is contrary to our history,
traditions,
> culture, . . . humanist traditions, our faith in social ascension through
> the sole force of talent or merit . . . That is why we have an urgent
> obligation to act."
> The French President based his conclusions on the Stasi Commission report,
> which was completed last week.
> "In conscience, I believe that the wearing of clothing or symbols that
> conspicuously indicate religious belonging must be banned in schools,
> colleges and public lycées," he said.
> "Discreet" signs - including Christian crosses, Jewish Stars of David or
> Muslim "hands of Fatima" - will be allowed. "On the other hand,
conspicuous
> signs... which are worn to be noticed and recognised instantly for one's
> religious affiliation, will not be permitted," Mr Chirac said.
> "Those - the Islamic veil, whatever name it is given, the Kippa or a cross
> of obviously excessive size - have no place within the walls of public
> schools. The public school shall remain secular."
> In hospitals, Mr Chirac said, "nothing can justify a patient refusing on
> principle to be cared for by a doctor of the opposite sex. The law must
> enshrine this rule for all patients who address themselves to the public
> service." Some French doctors complain that Muslim women, often at their
> husbands' behests, refuse to be examined by male physicians.
>
>



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