France to enforce burqa ban from Monday, women oppose

Paris:  A day before France becomes the first European country to enforce the burqa ban, one of the country's Muslim women, Kenza Drider, has decided to defy the law.

She says in a secular society people should decide what they want to wear.

"I wear a full face veil because of my lord. It is a submission to God," she said.

France is home to Europe's largest Muslim population - nearly 6 million. And as per official estimates about 2000 women wear the veil.

But those like Farida, who don't prefer the veil, said the move is discriminatory.

"It annoys me. I do not personally like to wear head scarves. I think the Muslim community is asleep - they need to react," she said.

The new law imposes a fine of 150 euros on violators who can also be asked to carry out public service duty as part of the punishment. But people like Kenza are not willing to give up the veil.

"On Monday morning, I will go shopping, to the post office and to city hall if necessary. I will under no circumstances stop wearing my veil," said Kenza.