France is often pointed at (sometimes justifiably) for certain failings in its society - its rather relaxed work ethic for one, its simmering ethnic divides for another.
However, this is something they've got spot on.
It was Karl Marx who wrote that it is only the society that does not base its foundations on any particular religion that can guarantee the rights of all its citizens. Thus, in this story, it is only through not bowing or seeking to respect any religious law or practice that the French Court of Appeal can provide equality to all its citizens.
Whilst in this particular case it was seemingly perfectly fine for a husband to seek annulment of his marriage because his wife had lied about being a virgin prior to their nuptuals, you will notice that she, under same religious 'practice', would not have been afforded the same remedy had the situation been reversed. This is not religious practice, it is instead merely institutionalised sexism.
Would the courts in Ireland or the UK have had the bravery to rule in the same way? It's pure speculation, but I suspect perhaps not. One thing is for certain though: following the ruling, Muslim women in France are a step closer to equality - and that's just the way it should be.
Vive la France - and may we all take note.
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