Just another note on the whole French ban on religious clothing or symbols. For all of France's screaming about following international norms and international law in the debate over war in Iraq, have they given no thought to the Universal Declartion on Human Rights, which they signed in 1948? Article 18 of that document states:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
The new French law would obviously violate this treaty. Everyone should have the right to observe their religion as they see fit, free of government interference, unless there is a VERY compelling reason to violate that self-determination. And sorry, but "they don't fit in" doesn't cut it.
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