In 2004, the French Government passed a bill banning obvious religious apparel in schools, such as large crosses, Jewish yarmulkes, and Muslim headscarves (Cosgrove-Mather, 2004). This can be seen as a violation of human rights, as it prevents the freedom of religion and its practices. In fact, according to the BBC, "The State Council - France's highest administrative body - warned that such a law might be unconstitutional and violate European human rights laws." ("The islamic veil," 2010).
However, when viewed through the lens of cultural relativism, the law can be seen as culturally acceptable because one French formal norm is the "separation of state and religion" which "is enshrined in law" ("The islamic veil," 2010).
Personally, I think that the norm in French culture to separate church and state is very understandable (in fact, US culture encourages such a separation). However, I do believe that the ban is still a violation of human rights. I don't think that the desire to have religion separate from the state outweighs the human right of freedom to practice religion, and that clothing that is a formal norm in a religion should be protected under such a freedom.
Find more information about the ban, and what Amnesty International thinks about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn-JBsH8rSU&feature=fvwrel
Works Cited
Cosgrove-Mather, B. (2004, March 3). France bans head scarves in school. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/02/02/world/main597565.shtml
Niqab. (2008). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/23515821@N02/2244343793/
The islamic veil across europe. (2010, June 15). Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5414098.stm
Hi Nora -
ReplyDeleteI concur with you. I can not subscribe to the French governments decision. I do understand separation of state and church when it comes to the state endorsing one particular religion. It that were allowed it would cause chaos. Especially in a democratic society where all of the people of many religions elect the governing party.
But for a government to take away an individuals religious autonomy is unacceptable and a violation of their human rights. At least in my opinion.
Thanks for your blog. I enjoyed it.
Both of you make great and valid points. I don't think a governement should be in control of what a religion can do in any way shape or form. That is giving the government way to much power if you ask me. This is a democracy not a dictatorship. Nor is it right for a specifics branch of government in a democracy to choose a religion on put it on a pedestal. United States is mixed. Many of our schooling systems practice different regious beliefs and together these systems co-exist without conflict, so I believe the governments help is needed for mediation.
ReplyDeleteGreat issue! You make excellent points about the separation of church and state. I definitely have to agree with you that I don't think the government should have the authority to make ruling on what people can and cannot wear. On the other hand, having lived in France for a short period of time and having some knowledge of their society, French people are extremely protective and proud of their culture, language, norms, and ideals. I don't want to make sweeping generalizations here, but French society often ignores the importance of other cultures and religions and views them as inferior because they feel that France is a nation with the biggest influence on great philosophy, literature, language, fashion, food, and style in the world, and somehow stands above the rest.
ReplyDelete