An internal memo from the Paris Opera decrypts the “anti-burqa ‘law – The World

The World | 10/21/2014 at 10:15 • Updated 21/10/2014 at 11:16 | By Clarisse Fabre

Host Opera Paris agents are warned: now, if a person comes face hidden by a veil, a mask or hood, ‘entry must be refused him “ This.’s the point of management, in an internal note dated October 4, The World has procured . Signed by the Deputy Director, Jean-Philippe Thiellay, it was written in the aftermath of the “case of the veiled spectator” occurred on October 3, during the performance of La Traviata to Opera Bastille.

As revealed Metronews.fr, Oct. 19, a woman who wore a light veil, hiding her nose and mouth, was sitting next to her husband in the early ranks behind the conductor. His presence was spotted by cameras, as well as the singers, who have indicated they would not continue to play if the spectator was left. “It was mostly women singers. And the question is not unanimous among the staff, “ specifies the World Matthias Bergmann, Steward South at the Opéra de Paris.

PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE

“We have alerted me in the second act,” told in turn, to AFP, Mr. Thiellay. Taking advantage of a break in the show, an officer went to the couple, to remind him of the terms of the Act of October 31, 2010 which prohibits the concealment of the face in public space, and offer this alternative: either women discovered her face or she left the scene. The couple left, without problems from the evidence, or seek reimbursement of tickets (231 euros instead.)

The next day, the note of the direction indicated the procedure to Opera officials and directors of services. Because, obviously, if a woman’s face hidden had never happened since the entry into force of the law passed under the five year term of Nicolas Sarkozy. Section 1 states that “no one can wear clothing intended to conceal his face,” . A circular dated March 2, 2011 states that “it is not necessary that the face is completely hidden. Prohibited actions include, without being exhaustive, the hooding of full veils (burqa, niqab …) “.

The rating of the Opera says: “can be seen as the face is completely hidden when the nose and mouth are hidden, only the eyes are visible. Of course, in the case of employees of the Opera, professional clothing or costume artistic escape the ban. “ But a veil covering the hair or a religious symbol does not conceal the face ” are not prohibited. ” Some musicians recall seeing the conductor Daniel Oren direct with a yarmulke

Another scenario . if a person “hides his face in the room while the show is about to begin “, so it can be ” deferred, until the problem is resolved. ” But, concludes the text, only the national police can “physically coerce a person to discover or get out.” For its part, the Ministry of Culture will send a note to theaters, museums, and all the institutions under its supervision, said a colleague Fleur Pellerin.