The 32-year-old woman, known as Faiza M, has lived in France since 2000 with her husband - a French national - and their three French-born children.
Social services reports said the burqa-wearing Faiza M lived in "total submission to her male relatives".
Faiza M said she has never challenged the fundamental values of France.
Her initial application for French citizenship was rejected in 2005 on the grounds of "insufficient assimilation" into France.
She appealed, and late last month the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest administrative body which also acts as a high court, upheld the decision to deny her citizenship.
BBC News
What ever happened to "Liberity, Equality and Fraternity"?!
I would be very interested to see the criteria the French courts use to judge "assimilation". Length of skirt? Number of boyfriends? Color of eyes?
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4 comments:
I don't think this story, tells the whole story. There were other reports of social workers and citizenship "quizzers" or what not reporting that she had no knowledge of the secular state or the world around her (i.e. in France). If that is the case, then despite the inappropriate labels and words used in denying the request maybe the decision wasn't so bad after all. In the US individuals seeking citizenship must demonstrate knowledge of the American government and history - why shouldn't France have the same right?
I'd almost argue this whole thing is a big misunderstanding and she was denied citizenship for a number of reasons. The hysteria happy media found one bad quote and had a field day with it?
Good point. Thanks for bringing to light the other parts of the story. However, I think the 'cultural' element cannot be ignored.
Below article provides a more complete perspective:
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080712/PAGETHREE/383260718/1119/NEWS&profile=1119
no, i agree, there needs to be a certain degree of understanding of one's new home. I think the reports are unwarranted, and that if it were the case that she was denied citizenship in France becuase of the "Niqab", then I dont see whats wrong with that? France isnt a place were this ultra religious family will feel comfortable anyway...? right? or am i missing something?
Shouldn't it be up to them to decide if they are comfortable or not? If they are law-abiding citizens with an awareness and understanding of the country's identity, history, and culture - should it matter what they wear or what religion they practise?
It's not a black and white case, but I think it still merits some thought.
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