French lawmakers begin debate on burqa ban

Paris: On Tuesday, the French parliament debated a proposed law to ban burqas in public - a controversial move aimed mainly at traditional dress worn by Muslim women. If the bill becomes law, any woman wearing a veil in public would be fined 150 euros or be obliged to take a class in citizenship, or both.

French Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie (L) speaks with Hautes-Pyrenees department socialist party deputy Jean Glavany (R) prior debating a bill banning the full Islamic veil. (AFP PHOTO)

In addition, anyone forcing someone to conceal her face because of her gender would face a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros. If a child is forced to wear burqa, the parent or adult who ordered it would face a fine of 60,000 euros and two years in jail.
The controversial bill is expected to be approved, because the ruling UMP party has a commanding majority in both houses. Opposition Socialist lawmakers are also likely to support it. But a key government advisory body has questioned its legality.