French PM backs Muslim veil ban

Moves towards the banning of the full Muslim veil will today come a step closer with the release of a new report that recommends the prohibition of the facial dress in universities, hospitals and state-owned premises including public transport and post offices.

Last night French President Nicolas Sarkozy was endorsing the proposals be adopted by all parties in the coalition government, following earlier statements that the niqab contravened the ideals and values held by the French in relation to women. The French parliament is expected to decide on ratifying the proposals over the next few months. If passed into law it would mean that women who choose to cover their faces may be refused service and even benefits.

Mr Sarkozy’s public backing of the ban, or anti-burka law as it has been dubbed, is seen as a key element in his rebuilding his political reputation following a series of embarrassing blunders in recent times, although last night’s appearance gave some strength to the notion that confidence was slowly being restored.

According to figures, two-thirds of the French voting public favour a ban on the veil which they feel has come to symbolise a more radical form of Islam but Sarkozy was quick to state that Muslims should not be stigmatised by any decision even though his Union for a Popular Movement Party (UMP) and various other MP’s agree with the prohibition.

The issue has been clouded by the great identity debate in France which has seen unprecedented reaction from the public, massive disarray amongst politicians and strong rejections from human rights organisations.