French burqa ban expected to pass easily

PARIS, July 6 (UPI) -- French political analysts predicted easy passage of a bill that would ban the wearing of full Islamic burqas in public.

The measure would only apply to an estimated 2,000 Muslim women who wear the veiled garment on the streets, France 24 said Tuesday, citing government statistics.

The measure specifies a fine for anyone wearing clothing that hides their faces and was a pet project of President Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy has called the full-length garment a "sign of subservience and debasement" rather than a religious symbol.

Observers say despite questions about constitutionality, the bill is expected to pass through parliament with little opposition.