The debate in France over religious coverings was once again revived as Sarkozy proclaimed that the burqa “is not a religious sign” but rather, “a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement…and will not be welcome in France.” Though this declaration is not so shocking in light of France’s law, passed in 2004, banning Islamic veils or so-called “ostentatious religious symbols” from schools, coming from... [Read More]
On June 22, French President Nicolas Sarkozy elicited a wave of criticism by supporting a controversial push to ban women from wearing the burqa in public in France. Speaking to Parliament, Sarkozy declared that, “the burqa is not a religious sign. It is a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement….It will not be welcome on the territory of the French Republic.” Sarkozy’s comments have sparked debate on the role... [Read More]
The State Department’s annual report on human trafficking (“Trafficking in Persons Report”) found that the current economic crisis has increased the worldwide trade in human beings — including young children — for sex and labor. The report, released this week, estimates that at least 12.3 million adults and children are victims of forced sex and labor every single year. This number is almost certainly... [Read More]
As we all know, California is in the midst of a veritable budget meltdown. Governor Schwarzenegger is right – painful cuts in programs and services must be made. And, as usual, the brunt of this pain will no doubt be felt most keenly by the poor, elderly and disabled. However, funding for basic safety net services — such as those that feed hungry children and keep families intact and off the streets — must... [Read More]
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, and just yesterday, AT&T Corp. v. Hulteen, directly undermines efforts to eradicate the persistent discrimination that still plague women in the workplace. In the Hulteen case, the Supreme Court rejected (by a 7-2 vote) the arguments of four female AT&T workers and retirees who argued that the Company’s pension plan should give women... [Read More]