Tory MP refuses to meet Muslim women wearing burkas

[Moh]

I think we should join countries like France and Netherlands and ban anything that hides your identity. It's not for disrespect, it's for the safety of other people.

[cocaine]

ive never been really involved in these debates but i'd just like to say while i'm in favour of banning them for safety and identity reasons, the backlash (from the religion(s) involved and from the people in favour of keeping the burka) in society will be HUGE.

[Hitman]

ive never been really involved in these debates but i'd just like to say while i'm in favour of banning them for safety and identity reasons, the backlash (from the religion(s) involved and from the people in favour of keeping the burka) in society will be HUGE.

Yeah, because they will be mardy over something small. As Nemo said, and I have said before, the Islamic religion does NOT REQUIRE that women wear these burkas - it is a cultural thing, not a necessity. I imagine the Muslim men that make their women wear them will be outraged, but those who don't shouldn't be angry - it's not a requirement to their religion. If they do not like our rules then they know where to go - we prioritise security over pretty much anything else here.

[AgnesIO]

I totally respect this guy, and would have him as PM anyday

If that is classed as racism, then I and many others are racist. In Britain where the main religion is not Islam not banning them is ludicrous.

If I went to Iran (if I was a girl) and went to a mosque I would be expected to wear a burka - they should be expected to dress normally in public in Britain.

Just like you Hitman, Burka's in my opinion can be quite scary - as you say - WHO IS UNDER THEM?

[HotelUser]

I totally respect this guy, and would have him as PM anyday

If that is classed as racism, then I and many others are racist. In Britain where the main religion is not Islam not banning them is ludicrous.

If I went to Iran (if I was a girl) and went to a mosque I would be expected to wear a burka - they should be expected to dress normally in public in Britain.

Just like you Hitman, Burka's in my opinion can be quite scary - as you say - WHO IS UNDER THEM?

As harsh as this will sound, I don't care that this is a cultural element. I don't think females should wear them here, in Iran or on Pluto.

[AgnesIO]

As harsh as this will sound, I don't care that this is a cultural element. I don't think females should wear them here, in Iran or on Pluto.

I do agree here however, however I think one step at a time :L As long as they get banned where they are not 'native' in way, I don't care!

[crazed]

Good point. However, we would be classed as racist for saying that... even though it is not racist. :rolleyes:

Yeah, it's rubbish that these days you can't even say things like this in the UK and not be branded a racist. Haven't they been banned in France?

[Catzsy]

There was also this robber who wore a burka to get into a jewellers, the owners buzzed "her" through, then a load of accomplices burst in and ransacked the place.

But security aside, I wouldn't like talking to some cloth covering someone's face... it's not racism as Islam isn't a race, and if somebody was wearing a balaclava or bike helmet I'd ask them to remove it...

It is necessarily confined to a 'race'

Racial discrimination is treating people differently through a process of social division into categories not necessarily related to races.

[Hitman]

It is necessarily confined to a 'race'

OK maybe so then. Feel free to call me a racist.

These people aren't being treated differently though, I mean, everybody else has to take off their helmets/garments covering their faces, so why shouldn't other religions/ethnic groups/people? Surely, according to that, we're being racist by allowing them to wear burkas in shops/petrol stations whereas we wouldn't allow bike helmets? We're treating them differently. :S

[Catzsy]

OK maybe so then. Feel free to call me a racist.

Oh no I think what you suggest in this thread is pretty reasonable given the times we live in.