[In the Drunk Tank]

[QUOTE=WOMBAI;3819571]

Originally Posted by MTVN

Well lets hypothetically say that the Burqa is banned on security grounds. The result would be increased suspicion of Muslims (as the banning of the veil implies that all Muslims who wear it are instantly terror suspects), they will feel offended and discriminated, and our relations with Islam would be even worse than they are now. That is what could increase terrorism here.

Who cares if is isnt strictly speaking a religious requirement. Neither is wearing a crucifix for Christians, neither is wearing the kippah for Jews, yet they are entitled to wear them, and Muslims are entitled to wear the burqa.[/QUOTE]



No they are not - not if they contrevene security regulations! And I refuse to be held hostage to Muslim sensibilities! The burka poses a risk to security - a crucifix does not - to compare the two is ludicrous!

Any reasonable Muslim who is not trying to gain preferential treatment will understand and respect the security issue - if they don't - that is their problem not ours!

It isnt a ridiculous comparison. You were making the argument that it is not a religous requirement, I was simply making the point that that does not mean it is not very important to some people, in the same way that a crucifix or a kippah is despite that not being a requirement of their religion.

As I said, I can see the argument against allowing burqas in schools or in an airport, thats a different matter, but if a woman is just walking down the street in a burqa or going shopping in one then they should have the right to do so. They should not be banned from wearing it just because you personally consider anyone in a veil to be a possible terror threat.