Banning Religious Symbols in Secular France

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Secularism has been a bedrock principle of the French Republic since 1905, when the law separated the Catholic Church from the State. But now, the Muslim requirement of headscarves for women has raised the issue of religion in public schools. Today, President Jacques Chirac proposed a ban on Islamic headscarves, after a special commission warned that Islamic extremists are threatening to -destabilize the Republic.- Though Christian and Jewish symbols will also be banned, the real target is a Muslim community that-s now almost 10 percent of the population. In this age of immigration and multiculturism, Will France's banning symbols help resolve religious tensions or make them worse? We hear from journalists, Islamic leaders and political scientists in France, and an advocate of the separation of church and state in the US.
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FDA Advisory Committee's briefing information on Plan B

Kemper's article on FDA advisory panel's recommendation

American Life League on morning-after pill

Planned Parenthood on emergency contraception recommendation

AFP's article on Chirac and ban on Islamic headscarves

President Bush commemorates 100th anniversary of Wright Brothers flight

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Host:

Warren Olney