Euro Court Upholds French Full Veil Ban

The European Court of Human Rights has upheld France’s ban on Muslims wearing the traditional full-face veils, called niqabs. The law, which was enacted in 2010 under President Nicolas Sarkozy, states that no one can wear garments intended to conceal the face. The fine for violating the law can be up to 150 euros, or about $205. A 24-year-old French woman sued, claiming the law violated her freedom of religion and expression. However, the court ruled the law “was not expressly based on the religious connotation of the clothing in question but solely on the fact that it concealed the face.” The ruling is final and cannot be appealed.