also, the "hiding their faces" argument fails, you can use that to ban: hats, hoodies, umbrellas, et al, yet no-one is, which is why I must conclude this has more to do with their ethnicity/religion than it does their faces.

This is a good example of how twisted our thinking has become after years of manipulation by political correctness.

That you even bring up such a point... So muslim fundamentalists would justify a war on the West because we ban burkas, even though they are forcing all of our women to cover the hair when visiting Arab countries?  

Everyone is so nervous and cautious of being labeled a racist or xenophobic that we're losing our sanity.

Dude.. there are 577 members... 241 members refused vote...

They are a threat in a way in that they represent a regression and discrimination towards women. And they also are a threat to the separation between muslims and the rest of france's  population, if they don't try to integrate themselves as part of the population they will always be alienated that is what leads to discrimination. I think that the ban was what neededd to be done

1. It's a symbolic act.
- To show that there are limits to cultural expressions and ethnic isolation.
- And to mark that we don't want a society where people are anonynoums towards each other like people are when you barely can see their eyes.

2. We have a strong desire to protect women's rights.

Lets imagine that ALL those 241 happened vote against. That would still result in defeat. News just coming in...

"The main body representing French Muslims says face-covering veils are not required by Islam and not suitable in France."

To read more click the link. Before you say anything this paper isn't islamophobic or anything....none of the major UK papers are....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/13/french-ban-face-veils?CMP=AFCYAH

Touché.

You missed something from the quote "but it has expressed concern that the law will stigmatise Muslims in general"

isn't a bit paradoxal by upholding the European values of liberalism and tolerance by restricting the right of women to choose to dress as they wish, in accordance with their beliefs? with this law they create a bigger problem then there is..

somehow I doubt the bolded in your post bothers those who support this bill...

You made a very good point. I'm 100% with you on this one.