And I agree that distinct religious symbols do not have a place in government offices, educational institutions, etc. Those things belong in places of worship. The problem is when you infringe on someone's religious obligation. Whether it's a yamaka or a burqa, the end effect is the same. Those people are not wearing such items as a symbol or show of faith, they are obliged to. However I will agree it is only the Hejab that is compulsory to Muslim women as we all know, and the burqa...well I'll leave the reasoning behind it to people who understand it better.

Turkey for example, after Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal) was a strictly secular country. I don't know what has changed since more religious parties came to power but I do remember the Hejab (headscarf) being banned in state universities over there.