The Netherlands proposes to ban the burka (full veil)

[Taz]

The Netherlands is preparing to pass legislation that will specifically make it illegal for approximately 100 women residing in the Netherlands to wear the Burka (the full veil that covers the face as well).

The centre-right party currently in government is facing elections very shortly.

So, do you support this move? Should other Western countries also adopt it?

One of the interesting things i've heard on the BBC Have Your Say site about this proposed law is that the burka is a sign of oppression. It's ironic that a Western country chooses to pass a law that stops the handful of women (in relative terms) from choosing to wear the burka.

Whilst I do believe that wearing a full burka in Western society is wrong, I do feel that passing a law aimed at just 100 Muslim women is more of a political point rather than something that would benefit society.

[herulach]

why only a 100? are there only 100 muslim women inthe whole country? if so, it seems a little excessive. Although i personally think theyre daft, a lot of people probably think my clothes are, so long as people arent forced into wearing anythign whats the big deal

[Taz]

It's estimated that only around 100 Muslim women in the Netherlands wear the full veil (burka) which is to be outlawed.

[herulach]

ah right, definately why bother then. I dare say theres no law against other things that cover your face (motorcycle helmets, balaclavas etc)

[Moby-Dick]

but you are required to remove facial coverings in petrol stations / banks / government buildings , so why should this be an exception ?

[TheAnimus]

absolutely with moby on this one.

I was getting my hair cut, and regretably the only paper i had to read whilst queuing was a daily mail. I hope you understand i wouldn't normally touch the paper, even if homeless and in need of warmth i would hold out for a braodsheet. But nonethe less i read a little.

They didn't really point out that the ban, is purely a SIDE EFFECT of another peice of legislation, that is to ensure people can be easily identified in public places.

I really don't see the problem with this, its like turbans vrs helmets.

[fuddam]

In terms of promoting integration in society, I think it's a good thing.

security-wise, likewise.

It's only 100 women right now, but as islam is the fastest growing religion in europe..........

[jackvdbuk]

its a good idea, but the again, people who say it is not... how can some1 say hoodies should be banned when a veil is virtually the same thing but worse (in that it covers the whole face fully)

[TheAnimus]

becuase the vast majority of people who where the veil are female.

Where as hoodies tend to be youths who often share the same lack of self confidence, but decided to excercise their personal growth by mugging old ladies in shopping centers.

I support racial profiling, even when it means white europeans such as myself are more suspect

[herulach]

I DIdnt realise it was only in banks etc, in which case, fair enough. thought it was an outright ban, which id be against.

[superscaper]

In public you should be allowed to wear what you want even if it was a full groucho marx disguise prevents anyone from recognising you. If it is a private building such as a bank then it is down to the company to set their own policy, their property, their rules. As for government buildings then that's fine as well for security as it should be treated like a private property and government's rules. Can't comment on the specific Dutch legislation as I don't know what it is, just lot's of hyperbole and conjecture from the media.

[chuckskull]

I support it. Like Moby said, you're required to remove any other kind of facial covering in quite a few places. For very good reasons usually.

These over-ride the desires of a small minority. If this is a problem for them, then a male member of there family can perform anything that needs to be done in these places. Quite common in Muslim countries. Though not usually for the same reasons.

[TheAnimus]

Its government public areas from what i understand, so schools, playgrounds, parks, shopping centers, banks and such can then inherit the standards by default.

[superscaper]

Is it a self consistent law? I can't find any details on it. What I mean is that does is specifically mention the Burka or is it any attire that covers the whole face and body, and so the Burka would be outlawed by side effect. Targeting a specific religion would be wrong but so would a law that would essentially stop you dressing up for halloween in public places

[htid]

I agree too. I'm not too sure of the facts here but I think I heard in Isreal and Iraq etc female suicide bombers have used this as a sort of disguise to hide explosives?

Now I know not every muslim is a suicide bomber, but even if 1 out of the 100 was, and it stopped that 1, I think it would be worth it in my personal opinion.

[true786]

I wouldnt call that fear I would call that stupidiy, all thought I dont think wearing the Burkha is necessary Im sure all women who wear the burkha aren't terrorists. I would be more worried about this goverment than a few women wearing the burkha. Also sounds to me that the goverments fear tactics have taken over your 'gut' instinct.