[Livia]

Originally Posted by MTVN

This is an argument that I dont understand. You're essentially saying "they are intolerant so we should be too"? No.

We are a multucultural country, we are a secular, civilised country with civil liberties and human rights, Saudia Arabia is not. Why should we aspire to be like them and ban every bit of clothing that we dont like, or that rubs us up the wrong way.

You are clearly misinterpreting what I wrote. They are intolerant, yes. But I don't see this country as being intolerant, and I don't see Germany these days as being intolerant either.

We are multicultural, yes. And I see that as a good thing. But this is not a secular country. The UK is a Christian country, with the Head of State - that's the Queen - being the Defender of the Faith - that's the Church of England. For you not to know that shows just how far down the road we've gone in appeasing Islam. Indidentally, I'm not a Christian, and I support people following whichever faith they choose.

I don't aspire to "ban every bit of clothing we don't like". Did you read the bit where I said I don't have a problem with people wearing the hajib or any other form of religious garb they choose to wear. But the burkha is different and I agree with it being banned. If someone doesn't like that and they want to wear one, best they should reconsider their decision to live in a country where women are free to vote, to be educated, to receive medical treatment and to work in just about any field they choose.