First French Burqa Ban Opponent Fined

Authorities have levied the first fine -- $162 -- against a Muslim woman for breaking France's ban on full-face veils and burqas, according to Religion News Service. Hind Ahmas told CNN she sought out the punishment so she could take her fight to a higher court. "I am happy to be fined," she said. "I'm fighting to be able to walk freely in the street." The new French law has drawn criticism from Muslims as discriminatory, but authorities insist the prohibition is necessary for national security reasons as well as upholding the French values of equality, dignity and national identity.


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