The Moment

摘要

Of France's estimated 5 million Muslims, only about 2,000 wear the full-face Islamic veil. Yet this micro-minority so alarms the mighty French Republic that its fractious politicians have united inrnthe fight against the burqa. As is usual when the many bully the few, the majority are likely to have their way. On July 13, the National Assembly passed a draft law (by a vote of 335 to 1) declaring that "no one can, in the public space, wear clothing intended to hide the face."