Yeganeh Haidari/Edge columnist
Believing in your faith is becoming nearly impossible for citizens of France. France is abundant in-laws that go against Muslim women. The islamophobia is clear and is becoming unbearable for Muslims.
The separatism bill is banning women under the age of 18 from publicly wearing the hijab. Deterring people from representing their faith is inhuman and animalistic.
The laws against the freedom of your own opinion draw humanity back to the medieval ages. Time is changing and it’s about time France does too.
The mere discussion of this subject is revolting, and the laws are inconsistent. France supposedly does not Favour one religion. The Constitution of 1958 states “France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic, guaranteeing that all citizens regardless of their origin, race or religion are treated as equals before the law and respecting all religious beliefs”.
However, freedom of religion is a reality for anyone who is not a Muslim. Another inconsistency remains under the age of consent. A 15-year-old can consent to have sexual relations legally with an adult. Yet a teenager is unable to make the decision to dress modestly and respect their faith.
French politicians argue claiming that young women are forced to wear the hijab and therefore everyone should be forced not to. The hypocrisy is unreal.
French laws contradict themselves and the citizens of France are paying for it. French bigotry needs to end
The discrimination against this minority is deeply affecting the community of Muslims. Specifically students. In a paper published in the American Political Science Review, Vasiliki Fouka, assistant professor of political science in Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences, and Aala Abdelgadir, a doctoral candidate in political science, found that the 2004 ban led to increased perceptions of discrimination, which interfered with Muslim girls from finishing school.
In an NPR interview, Beardsley states that some senators proposed another amendment in that same vein that the headscarf would not be allowed in national sports competitions, especially televised ones.
The existence of this conversation is disappointing. Unable to pursue beliefs at school, at work, and publicly. The injustice needs to be recognized and the voices trying to be silenced need to be heard.
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