Islam vs. Secularism in Europe
Guest Host:
Belgium may soon become the first European nation to outlaw the burqa and other face-covering veils. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Switzerland have approved a ban on the construction of Islamic minarets. We go inside the debate over Islam in Europe and explore the role of this growing minority in European culture.
Guests
Professor of International Affairs, George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs; former Member of the Turkish Parliament; author of the forthcoming book, “Headscarf Politics in Turkey: A Postcolonial Reading”
Ibn Khaldun chair of Islamic Studies and professor of International Relations at American University; Author of the book, "Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam"
Belgian Parliamentarian who proposed the ban on face-covering veils
French Senatorial aide and grassroots activist
Comments
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Although I don't think that banning the burqa (or burka) is a good idea, I have a problem with the argument that burqas are an expression of personal choice made by the women. Some women do perhaps chose to wear it out of their own free will, but others are bound by their families, communities, traditions etc. Therefore, the issue of "choice" is questionable in this context.