The banning of the Burka is obviously going to cause some debate.
But regardless of what side of the argument you are on, I think it's important to see this has little to do with the oppression of women, the removal of choice or even a security issue.
The ban is the result of the problems in France, and elsewhere, where integration hasn't worked as well as it might. Instead of being one happy society the population is increasingly categorised and segregated.
Wherever there are people who define themselves based on religion, race, or creed, then the society as a whole will be divided. Unless all these religions, races and creeds can come together under a single "banner" there will always be an us and them mentality.
I think the Burka ban is a manifestation of this, and an early one at that. The banning of minarets by the Swiss was another. I'm sure there will be more.
Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; Nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.
- Charles de Gaulle
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