Immanuel Kant propounded the deontological ethical theory which says that the actions are called right or wrong not on the basis of the result they produce or their consequence but rather on the question as to whether they fulfil the duty or not. As per Kant there was a supreme principle of morality where he states that one must not do immoral things even if they serve his interests and it applies universally to all (McAuley).

French Law bans face coverings inn public as concealing face violates fundamental values but it has also made a law to wear masks and cover faces during the pandemic times (McAuley). The earlier ban was made to promote religious neutrality in the State. But the masks are allowed in public interest. Applying Kantian ethics theory where the action is taken as a part of fulfilling the duty it is deemed as a right action so wearing a face mask is ethical and moral. But wearing burqa’s would mean to promote a religion which has been banned in the republic. So as per Kantian ethics it is permissible to allow usage of face mask as this is protecting the health of the entire republic during the covid time (csus.edu). As Kant propounds that in justice to one should not be done even if all have to perish (csus.edu). In the present circumstance allowing burqa’s would mean injustice to others that is why as per Kantian theory the step taken by French government is justified.

Bibliography

csus.edu. csus.edu. 2020. 18 July 2020 <https://www.csus.edu/indiv/g/gaskilld/ethics/kantian%20ethics.htm>.

McAuley, James. France mandates masks to control the coronavirus. Burqas remain banned. 2020. 18 July 2020 <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/france-face-masks-coronavirus/2020/05/09/6fbd50fc-8ae6-11ea-80df-d24b35a568ae_story.html>.