Minister Says Burqa-Style Veils Impede Citizenship

December 16, 2009

Author: Elaine Ganley

Source: Google News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggXAWnaIOk6lYbwkZzxJceFqaIHgD9CKKK701

France's immigration minister said Wednesday that he wants the wearing of Muslim veils that cover the face and body to be grounds for denying citizenship and long-term residence.

Eric Besson said he planned to take "concrete measures" regarding such veils, which are worn by a small minority of women in France but have become the object of a parliamentary inquiry into whether a ban should be imposed.

Besson spoke during a hearing before the panel of lawmakers as their nearly six-month inquiry draws to a close.

Besson said he believed a formal ban on veils that cover the face and body seemed to him "unavoidable," with a ban in public services as a minimum step.

Whether such veils are banned or not, he said he intends to personally move forward to ensure that women wearing such veils and seeking French nationality or residence cards are denied.