Burqa

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/worldview/100225/france-burqa-ban-human-rights

The burqa is a part of Islam despite what some proponents (including Muslims) of banning the garment on the grounds of human rights claim. I do not doubt that in some cultures the burqa is used as a tool of oppression but to say that it the wearing of it is not a part of Islam is incorrect.

“And say that the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms ... ”

— Qur'an [24:31

O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them. That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not harassed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. ”

— Qur'an [33:59]

If a woman chooses to cover herself because it is written in the scriptures that she follows then she should be allowed. No harm is being done to others and thus should be allowed under freedom of religion. If however, anyone who forces a woman to wear the burqa should be punished for violating human rights.