What's going on in France?

Despite being told they may breach 'human rights' legislation the UMP (Nicolas Sarkozy's party) are demanding that any woman wearing the burkha or niqab should lose state benefits and not be allowed to use public transport. They should also be refused French citizenship. Interesting times ahead wouldn't you say - it's not like the French to stick their necks out like this but then again i don't suppose they react very well to threats from the EU or Al Qaeda ?