French commission on the burqa to hear Tariq Ramadan

The national parliamentary commission investigating niqab and burqa-use in France will receive testimony from Tariq Ramadan on December 2nd. Le Figaro reports that according to André Gerin, there is increased division among the UMP on the importance of a law banning their use. The report is expected to be made public in January 2010.

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André Gerin rules out burqa ban in France

France will issue recommendations against full face veils but not pass a law barring Muslim women from wearing them, a leading backer of a legal ban has said. André Gerin, chairman of a parliamentary inquiry into use of full face veils in France, reluctantly ruled out a ban. France banned Muslim headscarves in state schools…

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The burqa/niqab commission in France auditions less-willing participants

As the French commission on niqab/burqa-wearing, led by André Gerin, heads to Lille, journalists expect more heated discussion as two niqab-wearing women and several imams will be auditioned. Mahmoud Doua, imam and member of the Union of Islamic Organizations in France (UOIF or l’Union des organisations islamiques de France) called for French Muslims to conform…

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    New resistance to Islamic finance in France

    PCF (French Communist Party) member André Gerin has addressed a letter to François Fillon against changing laws to allow “Shari’a compatible” Islamic banking in France, claiming that accommodation is not appropriate and that this new banking calls into question “democratic and republican values.” Le Monde reports that two laws which would have allowed for greater…

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    As the burqa commission continues in France, 5 suburban mayors are interviewed

    As the commission into the wearing of the burqa in France led by André Gerin continues, five banlieusard mayors from Monfermeil, Cachan, Rillieux-la-Pape, Clichy-sous-Bois and Gonesse were interviewed to express their positions on French secularism and the impact of a possible ban. Generally, they noted an increase in the number of parents and students who…

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