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French bank bans the veil

press release from CMF | 25.12.2003 00:56 | Anti-racism

Following the decision from the French government to ban the wearing of religious symbols at schools (targeting specifically Muslim women), here is what is starting to happen in France and this is not made up.

From banning the veil to Islamophobia... take action before it's too late

On Monday, the 22nd December, a branch of the Bank Societe Generale (in the 19th district of Paris) issued a notice prohibiting all women refusing to remove their veil from gaining entry into the bank. The wearing of caps was also prohibited. This new measure appears to have been introduced at some points during the last week according to one of its victim who was refused entry even though she has an account with the bank. Two weeks previously, the same woman was able to enter the bank wearing her veil.

People are wondering what they should do about this latest development. In the meantime, they are standing back criticizing and hoping that some organisations will help them to mobilise against this repression.

Stop grumbling, Start organising!
The first step is to show this bank how we feel!

Société Générale
PARIS STALINGRAD
38 AV JEAN JAURES
75019 PARIS
Tél :01.42.39.21.09
Fax :01.42.39.22.0

press release from CMF
- e-mail: naimabouteldja@onetel.net.uk

Comments

Hide the following 4 comments

What's with this 'save the veils' business?

25.12.2003 05:06

If you're not prepared to go to the bank without a veil then use online banking!

Motorcycle helmets haven't been allowed in banks for years, why should veils be?

jjf

Doh

25.12.2003 21:20

I think you havent really thought about what you're saying here JJF. First two wrongs don't make a right - let allow crash helmets and veils. We should be able to wear what we like right?

Secondly wearing a crash helmet is not a religious/cultural thing the way a veil. The helmet thing is presumably to protect from bank robbers - a helmet is protective of injury and some of our screwed up politicians now seem to see anyone wearing protection as aggressive. Their minds are getting more and more twisted and screwed up.

A veil isn't protective. Attacking the veil is a way of attacking someone's belief systems and culture. It's oppressive.

Anyway hopefully lots of ordinary french will show some solidarity and close there accounts with Societie General. Isn't there one in the city too??

steve

Up

29.12.2003 00:31

We wanna free secular society where people can believe whatever the hell they like and wear whatever the hell they like to express that. This includes; veil, cross, star of david, hammer an sickel and, yes folks, even a nice big circled capital A.

The French banning veils is only gonna isolate the muslim community (Europes largest)and restrict the efforts of all who want to live harmoniously in a multicultural society.

And, where does all this banning stop. Can a christian wear a cross on chain hidden under a t-shirt at school? What about displaying halal food in your lunch box? Or, hot cross buns! Tatoos of buddha... Cirumsized penises...

End this madness mow!

Non one in particular

all religion wrong

29.12.2003 15:38

The French wish to avoid state and religion coming together is to be applauded. Islam like all religions is another way of controlling working class people. In fact it may well be the best way ever found. France should be commended for the banning of all symbols which suggest religious persecution, this invludes the christian cross, jewish star of David, islamic headcovering etc. Culture is not an excuse, if it has religious overtones then let's get rid of it and move on to a religious free world.

Dave