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- The Islamic veil
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A bill forbidding the Islamic veil in primary and secondary
schools is still controversial in France and elsewhere. The conflict
is far from being solved. French citizens from Arabic or African
origins are disturbed by this banning that seems to be directed
against them. |
Islam is progressively becoming part of public life in France.
The second by numbers of the religious groups in France, Islam
has to deal with "laïcité", democracy and
modernity. It needs time to overcome misunderstandings and to
solve conflicts. The Catholic Church took a long time to recognize
democracy and to accept "laïcité"!
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The French citizens from immigration are too often part of
the lower class of the society. They have not been integrated.
They are in the front line for insecurity and precariousness.
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- They experience discrimination in lodging and finding
jobs. Among them a very few are admitted in the best Universities.
In some suburban areas they feel abandoned and humiliated.
It is understandable that the veil is not the primary concern,
but more is their future and then their integration into the
French society.
In this difficult context, Islamic religion plays an important
role in favoring integration, and recognition of the dignity
of each men and woman, in giving them a feeling of existence,
in establishing some solidarity towards the persons in need.
It is a religion that gives a reason for living. |
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The new law on the veil will not solve the problem of integration
and of living together. It has a risk to make religion an individual
affair and contribute to drive in desperation a population already
marginalized.
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