Arab veiled women protest French ban of headscarves

BEIRUT - Samer Mazloum

CAIRO – Dima Gamal

January 2003

The French decision to ban veiled women from going to public education institutions or serving as civil servants prompted veiled females in the Middle East to demonstrate in front of French embassies to protest this decision.

In Beirut, a handful of women carrying banners denouncing the decision protested, saying that the decision undermined the principle of freedom, which the West has always prided itself for.

“What they say partially reveals the feelings they hold toward us (the Muslim nation),” said a statement by a Muslim organization, which identifies itself as al-Muntada. The statement, which was distributed at the entrances of most universities, also encouraged girls to become veiled, saying that if they do not, they would “share the sin men commit by looking at them.”

The statement came down heavily on Western societies, saying that the absence of veil has prompted men to physically assault women, who for their part always hold in their purses defensive tools.

“This is the most unjustified argument I’ve ever heard,” said an Egyptian activist who identifies herself as secular and who refused to give her name. “If you read their statements, you will be under the impression that the West is a jungle of men who are unable to control their lust and constantly offending unveiled women.”

The activist added that several added where bandits assaulted veiled women and even men. “There is no magic with veil that would keep offenders away.” The activist argued that “these people accuse secular countries of violating freedoms, but at the same time they do not mind Muslim states such as Saudi Arabia forcing veil on its citizens. It is as if secular states have to give whatever kind of freedom to everyone while Muslim states have to stay tyrannical dictatorships.”

Secular activists also argued that the French decision did not target Muslims. “It prohibited everyone from displaying religious emblems. How come Jews and Christians did not object?” the Egyptian activists told Alternative.

“Courts will soon remove crosses in Italian classes. Christians, however, never feel targeted and Muslims should not feel targeted as well,” she said, adding that what is “public should remain secular and religious people should only be allowed to display their emblems at home or in their own institutions.”