The Headscarf "Tax"

In an attempt to enhance womens' rights, the French National Assembly has voted today to strip women of the right to publically wear two variants of the Muslim headscarf, the niqab or burka.

Confusingly, the bill purportedly wasn't intended to single out any religion, since it applies equally to whatever religious group chooses to wear variants of the Muslim headscarves. Critics, however, called it unconstitutional, noting that it was "nothing more than the fear of those who are different."

In an effort to reduce the law's impact, French businessman Rachid Nekkaz said he would set up a 1m-euro fund to help women pay fines imposed under the new law.