If the burqa is a symbol, then outlawing it will not eliminate the beliefs behind it (whatever these beliefs are, I think they pertain to individuals and cannot be generalized). Will burning all the churches in the world stop people from believing in God?

Maybe the purpose of this ban was to get rid of a physically restrictive garment, not combat religious customs that are perceived as misogynistic:
“How is a woman in a burqa, which hides her face, her posture and even her hands, supposed to engage in any independent public actions? Would she be able to make a business deal? Would she be able to run for public office? Would she be able to testify in a trial? Would an employer be willing to hire her? The burqa unequivocally denies women equality in the public sphere, regardless of whether they choose to wear it. Further, the burqa perpetuates inequality through future generations, by hindering young women’s academic pursuits. Would a teacher allow a young woman to take a test, when the burqa ensured that she couldn’t be monitored? Would a young woman in a burqa be allowed in the science lab, where her loose flowing clothing would be exposed to open flames or cause her to spill hazardous chemicals? Would a college professor call on a young woman in a burqa, when he could not see her raised hand? The burqa creates such a severe disadvantage in the advancement of women that, even if women don the burqa by choice, they are relegated to the role of second-class citizens as a result.”
–http://www.cwlc.org/blog/women-discrimination/112_one-young-womans-view-regarding-the-burqa_2009.html

From now on, I’m looking up anything that can be used derogatorily. Language is a big part of feminism, and I definitely don’t want to be discriminatory, even unknowingly. I apologize.

Why is street nudity forbidden so? Only social conventions. Same goes for burka : Inappropriate outfit in a western society.

…really?

A woman who “choose” to wear burka (which is rarely the case, given they’re many populations that “encourage” strictly the wearing of those outfits) choose to submit to the most extremes, mysogynist and archaic laws of Islam. Do you agree with those laws? I don’t. I don’t want those laws to be applied in my country.

All moderated islam preachers says that burka has nothing to do with religious belief, it’s simply another form of submission before men.

In France, those women stay at home, cannot work, go to the pool, speak to non-family…is this REALLY what you think is a “good choice”? Would you let people suicide in front of you because they’ve chosen to? Tolerance isn’t a synonym for blindness…we can accept many “personals choices”, but Burka definately isnt a wise one. And as sure as abusive sects will be sued, burka should be banned.