I’ve always admired the French Republic and the principle of laïcité; a society based on the tradition of strict secularism and separation of religious affairs from actions of government policy. The United States could learn very well from France.
Alas, I find myself requiring a need to criticise the republic’s decision to interfere in religious affairs. Especially with its ‘dealings’ with Islam.
Prohibiting the wearing of the veil is illiberal and violates the principles of a secular society. The French government is restructuring Islam into a state-authorised perversion of the faith. Exhibiting the veil is an individual choice and the state has no justification, or requirement, in ordering how the individual should dress. Government is the most dangerous hierarchy of power created by man especially when it develops an authoritarian desire to influence the lifestyles of its citizens.
I fear France is entering a very dangerous political period.
And, for the record, I am an atheist by the way.
danielfurr
