Hmm... This is a really difficult one, and I can't help feeling that it's because it is pulling at two different and not always compatible western/liberal beliefs and ways of thinking about morality.
The first being that we are individuals, that we are all equal, and the second being that religious freedom is a human right. Although in a sense, the second should be a function of the first, it's true that religion doesn't necessarily allow for this.
Religion, as someone has pointed out, is incredibly intolerant of other religions and/or aetheism. I think the real difference is that someone who is religious tends to think that someone of another religion, or none, is somehow morally corrupt (hence going to hell or equivilent). *Some* aetheists *may* think religious folk are a bit silly, but nothing more than that.
Overall, I reakon the idea of this ban is a bad one. I suspect there may be some underlying racism behind it, at least at some level.
But I also can really appreciate the idea of a completely secular school system.
As far as the legal issue goes: I rather suspect that it is considered justified on the basis of the secular nature of the French state as a whole. I rather suspect that secularism is considered a kind of 'right' and 'freedom' in France.
Bill Posters: Which muslim countries have female heads of state? I've never come across any mention of that? Bearing in mind, in some muslim countries it is illegal for a woman to go out without a man with her, I'm rather surprised. Any examples that go against that impression are very welcome, of course  |
