Sign up for the editor's
weekly newsletter
March 12, 2010
Politicians consider French-style burka ban
Published: 28 Jan 10 09:23 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20100128-24873.html
As their neighbours in France edged closer to a ban on burkas, German politicians on Thursday debated whether such a measure was necessary in their own country.
- Child abuse scandal spreads to Catholic dorm - National (10 Mar 10)
- ARD TV drama sparks Scientology's ire - Society (8 Mar 10)
- Pope's brother oblivious to choir sexual abuse - National (8 Mar 10)
“The burka is a full-body prison that deeply threatens human rights,”she told daily Frankfurter Rundschau. “It would be an important signal for Germany to ban the burka.”
A burka ban in German should include schools, universities, and high-security zones such as banks and airports, she said.
But fellow party member and speaker for interior issues Dieter Wiefelspütz rejected the suggestion.
“We have a different understanding of freedom than the French,” he told the paper, adding that an enlightened Islam could not be forced.
Head of the parliamentary interior committee, conservative Christian Democrat Wolfgang Bosbach, told the paper that when the choice to wear a burka collides with other legally protected interests such as mandatory school attendance or Germany’s current ban on religious symbols in schools, then something must be done.
His party colleague Norbert Geis said politicians would have to review whether a burka ban in schools and universities would be constitutional.
Meanwhile the Free Democrats' integration expert Hartfrid Wolff called the burka a particular form of discrimination that courts should not tolerate.
But environmentalist Green party leader Cem Özdemir said the debate overlooked the real conflict of integration, stressing that the number of women who wear burkas in Germany is low.
DDP/The Local (news@thelocal.de)
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Fark It!
Digg This
Facebook
Share everywhere
Send to a friend
Printable version
Twitter ThisToday's headlines
Westerwelle under fire for family business ties
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Thursday faced new allegations that he had helped promote the business interests of his friends and family during official trips abroad. READ (2 COMMENTS) »
Aldi founder Albrecht remains richest German
Karl Albrecht, the founder of discount supermarket chain Aldi, remains Germany’s richest person, according to Forbes magazine rankings published on Thursday. READ »
Crumbling A1 motorway casts shadow on construction firm
Crumbling parts of Germany's newly paved A1 motorway is creating headaches for construction company Bilfinger Berger, which is already under investigation for its alleged role in shoddy work on a collapsed Cologne metro tunnel. READ (1 COMMENT) »
Boy finds East German message in a bottle
A young boy near Göttingen this week discovered a decades-old message in a bottle sent by someone looking for a pen pal from what was once communist East Germany. READ (4 COMMENTS) »
Poles no longer fear Germany
Two decades after German reunification raised widespread concern in Poland, the overwhelming majority of Poles no longer fear their western neighbours. READ (10 COMMENTS) »
'Free' city tours exposed for dodgy employment practices
The popular city tour company Sandemans New Europe has been exposed for forcing their guides to pay for leading groups through Berlin, a practice that German legal experts say is illegal. READ (6 COMMENTS) »
Politicians bicker over gun law reforms on Winnenden anniversary
Amid memorials on the one year anniversary of the deadly Winnenden school shooting on Thursday, politicians and law enforcement authorities bickered over whether changes to weapon laws have been successful. READ (1 COMMENT) »
Up to 30 centimetres of snow expected as winter wears on
Don’t put your skis in the garage just yet – up to 30 centimetres of snow is expected in many parts of the country over the weekend, the German Weather Service (DWD) reported on Thursday. READ »
More Politics
- 11/03 Westerwelle under fire for family business ties (2 comments) »
- 11/03 Germany clashes with Brazil on Iran sanctions »
- 10/03 MP faces investigation over use of dodgy 'Dr' title (3 comments) »
- 10/03 Westerwelle blasted over partner's travel (17 comments) »
- 07/03 SPD criticises Merkel's new welfare plan (1 comment) »
- 06/03 German tabloid tells Greeks to get up earlier (18 comments) »
- 05/03 Merkel: Greece doesn't need German money (4 comments) »
- 05/03 Brüderle: Germany won't give 'one cent' to Greece (13 comments) »
- 04/03 Family minister's nursing care proposal assailed (1 comment) »
- 04/03 German MPs suggest cash-strapped Greece should sell islands (69 comments) »
Highlights
See all ads | Join the Marketplace
-
SI-Sprachraum International
Language school in Munich -
tolingo professional translation service
fast and reliable translations in over 35 languages -
Homeproviders Germany OHG
HOMEPROVIDERS GERMANY - property advice from the market leader -
Greenback Tax Services
Expert US CPAs will complete your expat tax return for $299! -
Felicity Nannies
International nanny service -
Köningwai-Projekte Hamburg
Marketing Consulting, Event Marketing, Textile Marketing, Merchandising -
THINKFAST - Text and Translation Service
Professional-quality financial translations and IR-support
Sponsored Links
- Knut Riedel - Tax Adviser: Expert in international taxation. Your competent and reliable partner.
- Greenback Tax Services - expert US CPAs will complete your expat tax return for $299!
- EXPATTAX - German tax advice in English language - nationwide
- Dolores - Berlin's best California-style burritos!
- Hundreds of job opportunities for foreign professionals in Germany
- Translation and English writing services
- Find the right relationship
- Your advertisement here
Jobs in Germany, in English
701 jobs in Germany, in English
422 new jobs this week
0 new jobs today
- Regulatory Affairs Leader - Healthcare IT (m/f)
- Teamleiter EMEA Customer Care - After-Sales (m/w)
- Project Manager for Shared Service Centre - Frankfurt
- Creative Developer, DACH
- Accountant (m/f) GE Real Estate Frankfurt
- 1. SAP Module Administrator (m/f) FI, CO, AM and 2. SAP Module Administrator (m/f) MM, SD, PP
- Quality Assurance Manager - Wheeled Goods
- Engineering Graduates
- Performance Analyst (m/f) Munich
- Investor Relations Consultant (m/w)
Latest news from The Local in Sweden
- 11/03 Police identify Uruguayan star's tormentors »
- 11/03 Swedish security police eye terror T-shirts »
- 11/03 Murder plot suspects kept for questioning »
- 11/03 Ambassador 'concerned' over sudden Roma influx »
- 11/03 Auschwitz theft suspect awaits extradition »
Blog
Essentials
Dating
Looking for your own blonde bombshell? Or is the strong, silent type more your
style? Find a German sweetheart here.
Weather
"After clouds comes clear weather," say the Germans. But what about after that? Find out in The Local's weather
section.
Blog
German stuff that's distracting us today.
Noticeboard
Whether you want to buy, sell, hire, announce or promote something, here's the place to do it - completely free of
charge.
Discuss
Debate the news, ask for advice, make friends - or just let off steam.
Register
Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss
News from the Goethe-Institut
- Brokers Not Only of the Word – German-speaking theater publishers
There is hardly a theatrical profession that has recently been so fostered, celebrated, loaded with prizes and grants as young dramatists.... - The Collection of Gaby and Wilhelm Schürmann
With a sure instinct for new, largely undiscovered talent, Wilhelm Schürmann and his wife Gaby have been collecting contemporary art for nearly thirty years.... - Tanzconnexions: An Innovative Joint Dance Project in the Pacific Region
Tanzconnexions has set itself the target of giving impetus to the dance scene in a region that to date has given little or no support to contemporary dance.... - The 60th Anniversary Of The Berlinale – What Did Audiences Get Out Of It?
The Berlinale used its jubilee year for the world premiere of a elaborately restored version of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. - Raimund Hoghe - Dancer of the Year 2008
His pieces tell of dreams and of the social reality on which dreams can be shattered.
News from Young Germany
- Engagement für eine bessere Welt
Zivilgesellschaft, Bürgerarbeit, Ehrenamt: Ein Drittel der Bürger in Deutschland engagiert sich mit... - Monkee Clothing: An eco-conscious climb to success
Started in 2007 by two passionate rock climbers, Marion Hett (34) and Ingo Walde (28), the Monkee... - German research team deploys to Chile's quake region
With a magnitude of 9.5, the Chilean earthquake that struck on February 27 was the strongest... - A patron for children, at home and abroad
Social workers at the nonprofit organization Karuna try to make it easy for youths to come in off... - Top Tourism Fair in Berlin
The International Tourism Exchange (ITB) is fully booked with more exhibitors than ever before and...
News from DeutschlandOnline
- Downhill: Riesch beats Vonn at home
Maria Riesch beat Lindsey Vonn in her home town downhill on Wednesday 10 March to keep the women's... - France and Germany mull European Monetary Fund
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday 10 March that the establishment of a... - Panel picks new head of Germany's supreme court
A parliamentary panel in Berlin selected Andreas Vosskuhle, 46, to become chief justice of... - Opening of the Exhibition “Türckische Cammer” in Dresden
Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu will join Mr...
Noticeboard
- 10/03 Bicycle
- 10/03 Storytelling Workshop
- 09/03 HTML / CSS Developer
- 05/03 Looking for accommodation in June 2010
- 05/03 Short term accommodation in Berlin in June
- 04/03 Need info on Friedberg/Frankfurt
Toytown Germany
- 03:41 ZDF exposes Sandeman's New Europe tours business
- 03:28 Quite disgusting, Breast Milk Cheese
- 02:40 Sound Restrictions for apartments in Munich
- 02:33 A Vegetarian dinner with a special concept
- 02:11 Gordon Ramsay on Indian curry
- 01:47 Bringing my car to Heidelberg
- 01:38 Games Night! All board game lovers welcome.
- 01:35 Standard Salary and Benefits
- 01:08 Editor Bob sightings
- 00:40 Live map of TT members' current location
Advertising 2.0
MARKETPLACE - promote your business to half a million targeted readers a month on The Local. Find great products and services in Germany or tell The Local's readers about your own business.
CLICK HERE>>>
MARKETPLACE - promote your business to half a million targeted readers a month on The Local. Find great products and services in Germany or tell The Local's readers about your own business.
CLICK HERE>>>
Sales managers - country wide
The Local is seeking talented and experienced media sales professionals for our online advertising sales in Germany
FULL JOB DETAILS
The Local is seeking talented and experienced media sales professionals for our online advertising sales in Germany
FULL JOB DETAILS
Best Foreign exchange rates dealing - all major currencies
Foreign Currency Direct voted as offering the best exchange rates. All currency exchange transactions are managed by Ben Amrany. We guarantee that readers of The Local/Toytown receive a 5 star service
FULL DETAILS HERE>>>
Foreign Currency Direct voted as offering the best exchange rates. All currency exchange transactions are managed by Ben Amrany. We guarantee that readers of The Local/Toytown receive a 5 star service
FULL DETAILS HERE>>>
Are you paying too much for health insurance?
Qualitura Independent Broker - Native English speaking German insurance specialist able to find the best solution for health insurance; many of our clients saved up to €2,400 a year. Get a free quote!
MORE INFO
Qualitura Independent Broker - Native English speaking German insurance specialist able to find the best solution for health insurance; many of our clients saved up to €2,400 a year. Get a free quote!
MORE INFO
JOB: Junior Project Manager (m/f)
ProCredit Holding is offering an exciting position in its Frankfurt-based marketing team
FULL JOB DETAILS
ProCredit Holding is offering an exciting position in its Frankfurt-based marketing team
FULL JOB DETAILS
Your comments about this article:
Allowing this to occur in Western societies should be unacceptable this day and age of International terrorosm. If you live in the West, you need to adapt. If you insist on having to wear this, then move back where you came from.
Very simple!!!!
In my home country Egypt, which is a muslim country by majority, there is an ongoing debate to BAN the burqa! so it is not extreme in my view that other countries want to ban it. This nonsense burqa according to many Muslim scholars has nothing to do with Islam! it is rubbish, just that! and hence I'm an arch enemy of this rubbish and I would like to see it banned, despite being a muslim myself!
So hell yes, ban the Burqa! way to go Europe! my only reservation is on taking this thing and use it to spew hatred against muslims like is being done by far right parties across the continent. Hatred is bade, no matter who is the subject to it.
Having all shop owners, cab drivers, doormen, banks and governments agree to refuse dealing with the 'burka bunch' would go 90% of the way towards eliminating the problem.
you are funny. it seems ISLAM hijacked your bank balance and making problems for you everyday. please dont be so extream unless you have proper reasons.
the style of BURKHA varries from place to place. someone said that above. i agree. The concept of covering body for a woman basically came up to protect woman from sexual harassments. In Islam Burkha has nothing to do. ISLAM says cover your body so that your beautiful curves are not visible by other man except your husband. ISLAM says to man not to give any look to a woman with LUST. ISLAM does not say to cove the entire face like we see in this article. I would suggest you to know the real values before making statements
Let me translate everything you just said into "Western":
jealous Arabs incorporating stuff into a religion in order to preserve their delicate egos (by using religious legalities to prevent their women from straying...instead of just being a good husband)!
- women want to wear burkas in their own environment or even in public but no problem to anyone else or to society - who am I or who is anyone here to deny them?
- women want to wear burkas where they interfere with the normal working of society such as personal identification or where body language is important such as security areas or schools - not allowed - a society must function the way it is designed
other issues such as the rights of women are already served by law - in germany, a man cannot force his wife to wear a burka against her will. Fullstop. No need for further legislation
many are genuinely concerned for the woman who are being oppressed by the burka. In Germany - as mentioned by michael4096 - a man cannot force his wife to wear a burka against her will. I understand that this law is hard to police, as many women in such situations do not have the support in which to speak out against their husbands/family. How about these politicians spend less time on such a stupid debate, and more time on ensuring that the Islamic women who fall into this category, can have the support in overcoming their oppressors. But the issue here is not the burka and it is not Islam, it is domestic violence...
I think a few people here are mistaking "cannot" with "should not". The law has practically no effect on internal family dynamics/psychology. The socio-cultural influence that makes women wear burkas/hijab cannot be policed!!