The French parliament in October passed the so-called burqa ban after months of heated debate. On April 11, after a six-month grace period expired, the country began enforcing the law. The law's supporters say the veil oppresses Muslim women, violates the French value of gender equality, poses security concerns as it allows people to conceal weapons or hide their identity, and undermines social cohesion. The law's opponents say it promotes intolerance and stigmatizes Muslims, although the legislation does not specifically mention the various types of Islamic face veils.
Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
