"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his/her religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his/her religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance." - Article 18 , the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a world filled with myriads of religion and culture, it's hard to find where one belief ends and another one begins. Everyone is unique, and everyone has different beliefs. And, in a sense that's what makes the Earth so wholesome. It's all the combined different beliefs that make up the world. It's when we learn to respect the different beliefs that we can truly live in harmony together.
Since the 18th century, France has decided to be a secularist country. It's an interesting concept as it separates the government and religion. It doesn't encourage a specific religion for the country, but instead, allows different cultures to show. During the French Revolution, France experienced heavy conflict between church and state. Several Church assets were seized and priests were forced to swear their allegiance to the republic. Throughout the revolution and afterwards, the Vatican fought against the republican order Paris was trying to impose on Europe. The French responded to this opposition by marching on Rome and abducting the rebellious Popes. In the end, Napoleon came to terms with the church, which was guided by the state, but left alone as long as it constrained itself to religious matters. The arrangement, which was known as the Concordat, lasted for a century. In 1905, the Third Republic announced the separation of church and state. And that, is the long but rewarding journey of French secularism. But lately, it doesn't really seem as if this remarkable concept is really pulling through. The French government seems to have altered this phenomenal idea to their own views.
On September 2nd, 2004; a new rule was put into full effect in France. The French government passed a law stating that in school, children weren't allowed to wear any items that demonstrated their religion. Muslim headscarves, Sikh turbans, Jewish skullcaps and Christian crucifixes weren't allowed to be worn as the new school policy . The law affects 12 million different children. Nadia, a sixteen year old Arab girl, was pushed to the point, where she felt ashamed to be seen wearing her headscarf. It's not right to push someone to the extent that they have to compromise who they are just to fit in, or avoid judgment. People should have the right to express what they believe in, without the opinions of other people.
In April 2011, France banned women from wearing face veils. France is the first European country to do this, and frankly, I don't think any other countries should follow their lead. It's simply unfair; to ban something that a lot of people feel is a religious duty. Specifically, the French government bans both burkas and niqabs. The difference between burkas and niqabs is that the burka is the most concealing of the Islamic veils and covers the entire face and body, with only a small mesh screen to see through. Whereas the niqab, which is more common than the burka, covers everything except for the eyes. (See the link for detailed pictures and explanations). The offenders of this new law face a hefty fine of 150 euros which is roughly 602 RM and on top of that- a citizenship course. I understand that to people who are brought up in Western culture, it might be a little bit odd, to see clothing like that. But, it's important to bear in mind that maybe to them, what you're wearing is odd too. People should have the right to wear what they choose to wear, and no ban should change that.
The world wasn't made for people to impose their beliefs on one another. I understand that the French government is trying to discourage the segregation and inequality that religions might create. It makes sense, as everyone, regardless of religion should be equal. This blogpost isn't only about France; this is about the whole world. The need for everyone to be able to express their beliefs without fear is much greater than any individual's beliefs. But you need to understand, that in the end, it all comes down to choices. And every human is entitled to their own decisions and choices. And that's what makes their beliefs their own.
