Freedom is a confusing thing isn't it?

[Galant]

In a puzzling move, it seems that France, that bastion of 'true freedom' and democracy, is contemplating a law which would ban the wearing of "'conspicuous' religious signs" in schools.

Apparently, the best way to promote religious freedom and equality is to ban the wearing of headscarves by muslims, skull-caps by Jews, and large crosses by Christians. It has been said the "discreet" medallions and pendants would be allowed, but no-one has mentioned what is considered discreet or large, or who decides that.

Within the report they also included that the Muslim Eid and Jewish Yom-Kippur holidays be celebrated in schools.

The full BBC article can be found here, it's not too long.

So what do you think....a magnificent move towards greater freedom?

CK.


P.S. In a related article, the issue of headscarves is further developed. That article can be found hereand maybe it's just me, but does anyone else find it amusing to read:

"France is currently considering an outright ban on the wearing of veils in schools, while in Germany, two states have proposed legislation which would also bar the scarf from educational institutions.
In both countries it is argued that the covering of the head is a symbol of women's oppression which has no place in a democratic society - and certainly not in a school", and then find out that 'bigot' is a French word?

[RedPutty]

Many things are not allowed in schools.

I personally think that the less religion is allowed to affect children (christianity, islam, whatever) the better.

[Elmo]

but it's their religious duty to cover themselves from head to foot, it's part of their religion, as is the wearing of scull caps by jews. You cant rewrite someone's religion or punish them for following their religious rules as it were!

[RedPutty]

What about rastafarians, is it ok if they smoke weed in school?

I understand what you are saying but where do you draw the line?

You could also argue that a tolerant religion would not place such restrictions on a person so in a way the person is punishing themselves by choosing to follow odd rules.

nice xmas sig btw

[Elmo]

they havent chosen to follow "odd rules", they were born into a strict religion and brought up in such a religion, in a way it's all they know. Religion in other parts of the world are a lot more strict, demanding and whatever else than they are in the most part of europe. By stripping people of their religious dress is like stripping them of their religion, forcing them to sin and then having other followers of the same religion frown upon them. It's hardly fair. Why cant we all just live and let be? If everyone was the same the world would be a very boring, bland and BIEGE place.

<edit> thanks about the sig

[Galant]

Erm, smoking weed is illegal, wearing a piece of cloth isn't!

[Agent]

Originally posted by Galant
Erm, smoking weed is illegal, wearing a piece of cloth isn't!

yet.

[streetster]

depends if you are just wearing a piece of cloth does seem a bit stupid making parts of peoples religion a punishable offence ? ah well silly froggies

mark

[Galant]

Ban your way to freedom - No-one find that a bit ironic?

And then all that other stuff: "In both countries it is argued that the covering of the head is a symbol of women's oppression which has no place in a democratic society - and certainly not in a school."

Erm, wasn't it the French who were screaming 'Bigot! Bigot!' at Bush and others recently?

French word indeed!

[spazman]

hypocrytical bast ids

[RedPutty]

I just remembered about sikhs, this will affect them too since they wear turbans.

Having said that sikhs are supposed to carry knives too but I bet thats already been banned!

On thinking about it I dont agree with them trying to ban these things.

I still have my worries about requiring women, but not men, to cover their heads.

[DaBeeeenster]

People should be allowed to wear what they want, as long as it isn't offensuve to others. I cant see how a scarf is offensive.

What on earth is there to be offended by? Who is it hurting? French culture?