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The new rule comes as France starts lifting its coronavirus lockdown on Monday. It has reignited a debate over a 2010 ban on religious face coverings. From Monday, all people in France must now wear a face mask in public to avoid further spread of the COVID-19 disease. However, the burqa, niqab, and other religious face and head coverings remain banned — reigniting a debate over the government's 2010 ban on religious coverings.
France mandated face masks in public to coincide with a gradual easing of its strict coronavirus lockdown, which started Monday. Under these new rules, people can now travel 60 miles from home, and some businesses and schools can reopen. However, bars and restaurants — which have been closed on March 17 — remain shuttered. Those using public transport, entering certain shops, or attending schools must now wear a mask, the government said. The issue of face coverings is especially sensitive in France, and has been a major political issue on at least two occasions since the new millennium. In 2010, the government imposed a ban on Muslim head coverings, namely the burqa or niqab. Those in favor of the bill protected gender equality and women's dignity, and encouraged assimilation into secular French culture. Critics saw it as an attack on religious freedom.
Flouting the law can result in a 150-euro ($162) fine and/or participation in so-called French citizenship education. When asked whether the new coronavirus face mask regulations affected the 2010 law, France's interior ministry told The Washington Post: "Wearing a mask intended to prevent any risk of contagion by COVID-19 does not constitute a criminal offense."...
