European Court Rules That France Can Maintain Burqa Ban
- By Alison Lesley --
- 01 Jul 2014 --
No rights are breached by the ban, says Europe’s top rights court.
The European Human Rights court ruled that a ban of the burqa and the niqab, did not contradict the European Convention of Human Rights.
The case was brought to the court by a 24-year-old French woman who felt the law restricted her ability to live in accordance with her religion and beliefs.
France originally banned the burqa and the niqab in April 2011. The ban sparked passionate and controversial debate between supporters of religious freedom and those who support France’s secularism.
France charges a fine of 150 euros or $205 for anyone wearing the garments. This fine can be substituted for community service.
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