#HandsOffMyHijab: France's Proposed Hijab Ban and Why It Is Causing Havoc.
In France, there is a bill which aims to ban the hijab for anyone under the age of 18. This has caused an uproar in the Muslim community, and rightly so. Ever since the tragic events of 9/11, Muslims have been subject to tons of Islamophobia, with the hijab ban adding to the fuel. Furthermore, in the 20th century, France occupied Muslim-majority lands in Africa and the Middle East. Hence, it's clear that France doesn't take a huge liking towards the Muslim community.
Thankfully, the ban isn't a law as of yet and needs to be signed off by France's National Assembly before it can take effect, but how likely is it that this bill will come into force? Scarily enough, very likely.
Why has this caused distress, particularly for Muslim women?
Policies of this nature are not alien to Muslim's. They are a reinforcement of the Islamophobia prevalent on a worldwide basis.
In this instance, women as young as 15 can consent to sex but do not have the right to choose to carry out a religious practice. When you compare the two, it sounds ludicrous that the latter is actually something in existence.
It's also important to note that the habits of nuns are not being policed under the bill. Nuns can continue to wear their religious veils, but Muslim women cannot? Surely this is unfair and quite the opposite of equal, yet no one has raised awareness on the matter. Sadly, it seems that the needs of Muslims are still neglected and disrespected in much of the world and are not given the same treatment as other religious practices.
The hijab is being banned for under 18's, but how long till it is prohibited for everyone in France? And will the world continue to stay silent during this atrocity too?
Hijab is a key part of the religion of Islam. The banning of the hijab blocks the pathway to a practice many Muslims hold in high regard. Surely, we should be entitled to our right to religious expression.
What is a hijab?
Hijab is both an external and internal concept, integral to the Muslim faith and applied to men. It is an ideal surrounding modesty, not only in how we dress but in our mannerisms, too. Hijab is not the oppressive tool that it is made out to be (it's at this point, the French government sits with their mouths hanging open loosely, both shocked and confused).
Hijab is not oppressive. Firstly, because for many Muslim women, it is a choice to wear one. Many Muslim women do and do not wear the hijab for their own individual reasons. It is not a matter of speculation, and it certainly is not a decision someone should make on behalf of someone else. Furthermore, the hijab is a prescribed means to protect modesty and privacy from unrelated males. Of course, whilst many may have an opinion on this, it's important to respect the fact that this is a religious belief for many. Ultimately, it is a religious practice that does not really cause harm to anyone.
Just like how we do not have a problem with women dressing in more of a revealing manner, we should not have a problem with women choosing to dress more modestly. And France sure as hell should not have an issue with it. Wearing a hijab is not the French government's decision, but rather it is the decision of the girl in question.
What are Muslim women saying?
The ban in question has spiked an uproar in the Muslim community, and rightly so.
This is very much a manifestation of the Islamophobia that Muslims have suffered for years. Hate towards Muslims is so normalised that as a Muslim myself, I feel anxious. I worry that any practice of my religion will make my non-Muslim friends uncomfortable.
The fact that a ban of this nature is even in consideration is frightening. The right to practice a crucial part of Islam is being taken away for some, and sadly I do not expect that this is the end of Muslim practices being banned. Will we reach a stage where ultimately, we cannot practice our religion as a whole? I hope not.
Ghadir Harkous, in response to the situation, said, "I think the ban is because of miseducation. It has made me feel quite uneasy, I would think in the 21st century by now, France would have been more tolerant of religions, free speech, and beliefs. However, the political parties at the top still hold the hatred and racism that the colonial government did when they took over Algeria, Morocco and Lebanon and tried to make Muslims turn against their own religion."
I thought it would be useful to draw your attention to some perspectives of Muslim women found on Twitter. Here are some thought-provoking tweets, with the aim that the upsetting nature of the matter will be made clear:
"Age to consent to sex in France: 15 Age to consent to hijab: 18 Let that sink in. It isn't a law against the hijab. Its a law against Islam."
Hamziye Aman from the USA said, "How is this still up for a debate in 2021? It's maddening, and I am so tired; Trying to control what a woman can and can't wear...This isn't just a law, it's racism, it's Islamophobia and straight up dictatorship."
It's 2021; we should not have to have this discussion because a bill of this nature should not even be in consideration.
The rights of young Muslim women are being denied, and we simply cannot stay in silence.
Written by Halimah Begum
Hi, my name is Halimah Begum. I am an 18 year old law student from Birmingham. I started freelance writing as it was a way for me to commit to the responsibilities of being a student but also continue on with my hobbies. Hope you enjoy my piece!
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