French ban on face covering

The French ban on face covering (French: LOI n° 2010-1192: Loi interdisant la dissimulation du visage dans l'espace public, "Law of 2010-1192: Act prohibiting concealment of the face in public space") is an act of parliament passed by the Senate of France on 14 September 2010, resulting in the ban on the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclavas, niqābs and other veils covering the face in public places, except under specified circumstances. The ban also applies to the burqa, a full-body covering, if it covers the face. Consequently, full body costumes and Zentais (skin-tight garments covering entire body) were banned. The bill had previously been passed by the National Assembly of France on 13 July 2010.

Arguments supporting this proposal include that face-coverings prevent the clear identification of a person (which is both a security risk, and a social hindrance within a society which relies on facial recognition and expression in communication), that forcing women to cover their faces (as happens in some Muslim cultures) is sexist, and that Muslims who continue this practice should be forced to assimilate traditional French social norms. Argument against include that the ban encroaches on individual freedoms, and that it discriminates against interpretations of Islam that require or encourage women to wear face coverings, that it takes away the choice of women to decide whether to dress according to a particular standard of modesty, and prevents anonymity in situations where it might be socially or personally desirable. (Islamic scholars differ on whether there is a religious requirement for a full face covering as was required under the Taliban regime and practiced elsewhere, or merely for a head and hair covering such as a hijab, which is practiced widely and legally mandated in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Indonesia. Some Muslims follow neither rule.)

As of 11 April 2011, it is illegal to wear a face-covering veil or other masks in public places such as the street, shops, museums, public transportation, and parks. Veils such as the chador, scarves and other headwear that do not cover the face, are not affected by this law and can be worn. The law applies to all citizens, including men and non-Muslims, who may not cover their face in public except where specifically provided by law (such as motor-bike riders and safety workers) and during established occasional events (such as some carnivals). The law imposes a fine of up to €150, and/or participation in citizenship education, for those who violate the law. The bill also penalises, with a fine of €30,000 and one year in prison, anyone who forces (by violence, threats, or abuse of power) another to wear face coverings; these penalties may be doubled if the victim is under the age of 18.

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