This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8480161.stm

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
France report backs face veil ban France report backs face veil ban
(10 minutes later)
A French parliamentary committee has recommended a partial ban on women wearing Islamic face veils.A French parliamentary committee has recommended a partial ban on women wearing Islamic face veils.
The committee's near 200-page report has proposed a ban in hospitals, schools and on public transport.The committee's near 200-page report has proposed a ban in hospitals, schools and on public transport.
France has been debating whether to ban face-covering Muslim veils with President Nicolas Sarkozy recently speaking out against them.France has been debating whether to ban face-covering Muslim veils with President Nicolas Sarkozy recently speaking out against them.
The French interior ministry says just 1,900 women in France wear the full veils.The French interior ministry says just 1,900 women in France wear the full veils.
In its report, the committee said: "The wearing of the full veil is a challenge to our republic. This is unacceptable. We must condemn this excess."In its report, the committee said: "The wearing of the full veil is a challenge to our republic. This is unacceptable. We must condemn this excess."
I'm really very sad about this, but I'm not so surprised because it is part of the French mentality Chrystelle KhedroucheFrench-born Muslim, 36 Read more in Gavin Hewitt's blogI'm really very sad about this, but I'm not so surprised because it is part of the French mentality Chrystelle KhedroucheFrench-born Muslim, 36 Read more in Gavin Hewitt's blog
The parliamentary report also recommends that anyone showing visible signs of what it called "radical religious practice" should be refused residence cards and citizenship.The parliamentary report also recommends that anyone showing visible signs of what it called "radical religious practice" should be refused residence cards and citizenship.
Release of the document is expected to be followed by the drafting of a bill and a parliamentary debate on the issue.Release of the document is expected to be followed by the drafting of a bill and a parliamentary debate on the issue.
The BBC's Hugh Schofield, in Paris, says the reasoning behind the report is to make it as impractical as possible for women in face veils to go about their daily business.The BBC's Hugh Schofield, in Paris, says the reasoning behind the report is to make it as impractical as possible for women in face veils to go about their daily business.
There is also a fear that an outright ban would not only be impractical but would be distasteful and could make France a target for terrorism, our correspondent says.
France has an estimated five million Muslims - the largest such population in western Europe.France has an estimated five million Muslims - the largest such population in western Europe.
Speaking earlier this month, Mr Sarkozy said the veil was "not welcome in France".Speaking earlier this month, Mr Sarkozy said the veil was "not welcome in France".
However, he did not explicitly call for a ban, saying "no one should feel stigmatised" by any eventual law.However, he did not explicitly call for a ban, saying "no one should feel stigmatised" by any eventual law.
Benefits under threatBenefits under threat
Opinion polls suggest a majority of French people support a full ban.Opinion polls suggest a majority of French people support a full ban.
However, the parliamentary deputies have recommended that - for now - restrictions should be limited.However, the parliamentary deputies have recommended that - for now - restrictions should be limited.
The committee suggests a ban inside public buildings, with those who defy the ban denied whatever services are on offer there - for example state benefits.The committee suggests a ban inside public buildings, with those who defy the ban denied whatever services are on offer there - for example state benefits.
Find out about different styles of Muslim headscarfIn graphicsFind out about different styles of Muslim headscarfIn graphics
There are several types of headscarves and veils for Muslim women - those that cover the face being the niqab and the burka. In France, the niqab is the version most commonly worn.There are several types of headscarves and veils for Muslim women - those that cover the face being the niqab and the burka. In France, the niqab is the version most commonly worn.
The niqab usually leaves the eyes clear. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf and may be worn with a separate eye veil.The niqab usually leaves the eyes clear. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf and may be worn with a separate eye veil.
The burka covers the entire face and body with just a mesh screen to see through.The burka covers the entire face and body with just a mesh screen to see through.
The issue has divided France's political parties.The issue has divided France's political parties.
The Socialist opposition has come out officially against a ban, saying it would be difficult to enforce. It says it is opposed to full veils in principle, but some members have expressed fears about any ruling that could stigmatise Muslim women.The Socialist opposition has come out officially against a ban, saying it would be difficult to enforce. It says it is opposed to full veils in principle, but some members have expressed fears about any ruling that could stigmatise Muslim women.
Meanwhile, the head of Mr Sarkozy's right-wing UMP party has already presented a bill in parliament supporting a full ban on grounds of security.Meanwhile, the head of Mr Sarkozy's right-wing UMP party has already presented a bill in parliament supporting a full ban on grounds of security.