Sarkozy: Burqa "Will Not Be Welcome On The Territory Of The French Republic"

The Telegraph reports that in a speech at the Palace of Versailles, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that the head-to-toe Islamic garment for women was not a symbol of religion but a sign of subservience for women. "The burka is not a sign of religion, it is a sign of subservience," he told members of both parliamentary houses gathered for his speech. He added: "It will not be welcome on the territory of the French republic."

The Telegraph reports that 65 French MPs have appealed "for a parliamentary commission to examine whether Muslim women who cover themselves fully in public undermine the secular tradition in France as well as women's rights. The MPs represent parties ranging from the Communists to Mr Sarkozy's UMP. The call won instant support from members of Mr Sarkozy's centre-Right government but was opposed by the Socialists, the main opposition party."
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