should we ban the burka

[pantsonfire321@aol.com]

Debate about muslim`s clothing has been reignited today with news that the netherlands is likely to become the first European country to ban the burka from some public places as a security measure.The traditional garment covers the wearer from head to toe with just the eyes showing - most citizans favour a ban as reproted in the sun newspaper today. How do you feel in todays climate - do you have an opinion. I would say if you are invited to stay in a foreign country you are duty bound to adhere to their customs..so yes im in favour of the ban.

[BabyRider]

A security measure to protect whom? The people wearing them for fear they will be attacked when advertising their heritage, or the protection of everyone else for fear of what the wearer may be hiding under it?

[chonsigirl]

Talk about fashion police..............................

What's the use of inviting them to a free country, if they can't wear what they want? If the women want to wear them for religious reasons, then it should be allowed.

[minks]

Kind of a catch 22 isn't it.
Well I have to say if the so called free countries ban them, they will be putting a load of strain on the muslim women who are of the belief they are necessary. Not to mention the danger they may put these women in with their men. It seems a primative article of clothing and a primative belief but hey who are we to determine the fate of these women.

[Bez]

This is a debate that will go on for ever. What I will say is that there are certain countries that enforce their own countries rules and customs...no alcohol , the covering of heads, not showing legs, no women in certain places etc etc. We are expected to respect these customs or suffer the consequences. ...people still go to these places for holidays and to work. Once you know what the customs are you abide by them I guess.
In the west, we have bent over backwards to accomodate the 'worlds peoples' and what a can of worms we have opened !

Its a dilemna. France I think, has a ban on them for a particular reason. My apologies but I cant remember. France has a tradition of doing what France wants and sticks two fingers up at the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

There have even been Muslim schools in Britain that see the Burkah as inappropriate dress for its students. A case went to court about 6 months ago with that regard.

[venus]

I think it is wrong of us to stop people following in what they see as a necessary part of their religion...

Would they ban nuns from wearing a habit, how about a priest and his clothing ?

I don't think it is right of us to force these women to uncover if it is not what they want

[orangesox1]

Originally Posted by ArnoldLayne

Its a dilemna. France I think, has a ban on them for a particular reason. My apologies but I cant remember. France has a tradition of doing what France wants and sticks two fingers up at the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

There have even been Muslim schools in Britain that see the Burkah as inappropriate dress for its students. A case went to court about 6 months ago with that regard.

We had the same problem with hight school girls, but the school does have a fully covered outfit for a uniform that they can choose to wear, the girl just didn't want to wear it..

What kind of places are we talking about anyway, banks, embassies or basically all over. If your a bike rider you can't go into a gas station or bank with your helmut on over here, no ones complained about that.

I think that it would be ok to have restriction on it in some places such as high security area, but a person should have the right to wear what they want. If the face is fully covered in a security area thats a problem but anyone can wear a big coat or a maternity dress which covers their whole body.

Do you know that in Turkey girls are not allowed to sit uni exams in a head covering.

I tend to agree Venus but I dont think it is as simple as that. The Kuran has no requirement for Muslims to wear a burka. It is seen in a secular society as a symbol of womens oppression. Many women in Afghanistan cast theirs aside after the defeat of the Taliban. You do not need to wear one to be a good Muslim. But a lot of Muslim men require that their women wear one.

[venus]

I know and that gets me vexed, but l also know women who would die at the thought of not being properly covered.. The men who make their women do this are insulting women and men alike. What are men such simple creatures that at the sight of a women in a skirt and blouse they can not control their base impulses?

I say to each their own, burkha, leathers and chains, pink hair and nose studs or jeans and boots.
Its whatever you feel confortable in