Now Angry Arab is upset. I do not understand why Muslim groups are calling the new French proposal on veils in public schools and buildings "unfair and discriminatory." I think that it is fair and balanced. Remember: it did not single out the veil in its ban. It called for the ban of all "conspicuous" symbols of religion, and mentioned other religions too. The report also suggested special days for religious days of Jews and Muslims (I personally do not think that the state should celebrate any religious day although I sympathize with the French Revolution when it wanted to celebrate Reason). It also had other recommendations including the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in France, the instruction of Arabic in schools, the respect for the food standards of Muslims and Jews, the assignment of Muslim clerics in the French army, etc. Secularism means that the state should be absolutely neutral as far as religious preference is concerned. If that entails the ban on religious symbols in public schools and buildings, so be it, I say.