The controversial law banning full-face veils came into effect today in France, home to Europe’s largest Muslim population. Public wearing of niqabs or burqas is now liable for a fine of 150 euros and a citizenship course; people charged with forcing women to wear full-face veils may be subject to jail time.
The law does not extend into private homes, hotel rooms, private office spaces or mosques (or ‘all of the private places where the niqab or burqa aren’t usually worn’), and police officers are not allowed to remove veils by force.
On Saturday, 59 people protesting the ban were arrested by French police.
The first person to be arrested for defying the ban in its operational phase was a would-be female train commuter.
A ban on being a gypsy is probably on its way, so keep your eyes slanted toward France for giggles.
If you need me, I’ll be at the bar.
