Philip Hollobone, MP for Kettering, was accused by Muslim groups of "failing in his duty" as MP.
Mr Hollobone is trying to bring in a Private Member's Bill to ban women wearing the burka or niqab in public.

He said he "took the view" that since a constituent was able to see his face he should be able to see theirs.
He argued that he would not be able to satisfy himself of the identity of a person without being able to do so.

Mr Hollobone said that he would "invite" anyone who did not wish to remove their veil to communicate with him in a "different way", such as by letter, rather than face to face.
He said that the burka or niqab was not a religious requirement and that the majority of Muslim women dressed in a way in which their face was visible.

Following France's recent decision to ban the burka in public Mr Hollobone said he hoped that other European nations would "sit up and take notice".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7895995/Conservative-MP-Philip-Hollobone-refuse-to-meet-with-constituents-wearing-a-veil.html

As abhorrent as the burka is, I think it's an infringement of basic human rights to tell people not to wear certain items of clothing which do not cause harm to others.

I agree, however deep down in me I sometimes feel that a nation's identity/culture/ideologies etc may have to be protected. Looking on the history of Buka, I do not think it is unfair to say it is repressive to women, and probably cast women as second class citizen.

What does this have to do with a national identity/culture/ideologies I hear you ask? Well, UK stand against all forms of inequalities and a member of the nations that signed up to the double-edge sword Human Rights Act of 1998. One can argue that the ideologies behind wearing a burka is in violation [/i]of Article 3, 5, 10 and possibly Article 4. But then, the same HRA can be used for defending against such [i]violations.

I think what am trying to say before I lose my point is that the MP, may have a ground for trying to propose a Private member's bill.

Burka wearing is very alien to the UK way of life. Also, there is also the simple element of human nature. As humans, we are used to seeing people's face when we interact with them, so it is against human norms in this part of the world I guess.

As per the ban, I very much doubt it would get the desired support, as the mood of the UK public is not the same as those of Belgium or France.

One day Muslim women will be free. It's only a desire to rubbish womanhood that brought about such monstrous negation of their humanity.

Holla!

Let me see if I understand this: people consider women wearing the burqa dehumanizing towards women but are alright with young girls wearing skirts so short, you can easily see if the curtains match the drapes? I can't believe people are looking to criminalize modesty; where exactly is the world headed? If Muslim women have to lose the burqa/hijab, strip nuns of their habits. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander, right?

Travelista:

Let me see if I understand this: people consider women wearing the burqa dehumanizing towards women but are alright with young girls wearing skirts so short, you can easily see if the curtains match the drapes? I can't believe people are looking to criminalize modesty; where exactly is the world headed? If Muslim women have to lose the burqa/hijab, strip nuns of their habits. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander, right?

You forgot that, wearing mini skirt is normal in this part of the world. Burka on the other hand is not.

Also arguments can be made for Miniskirt, as an expression of feminism and empowerment, I am not sure such defence can be made for Burka.

ElRazur:


You forgot that, wearing mini skirt is normal in this part of the world. Burka on the other hand is not.

Also arguments can be made for Miniskirt, as an expression of feminism and empowerment, I am not sure such defence can be made for Burka.

There's nothing empowering about a miniskirt; don't even get me started on that feminism nonsense. Little has done more harm to women than the post-feminism movement but, as I said, don't get me started. Just because something isn't 'normal' in the West doesn't make it wrong. I see women wearing gele and ero and buba all the time; it's not native to these shores but we aren't advocating that they stop wearing them. I mentioned nuns wearing habits; should they be banned from wearing their veils? You have to remember that in years past, women were expected to show their virtuosity by covering themselves from head to toe; there's nothing foreign about what Muslims and others like them put on. That only changed dramatically in the 60s/70s and has gone downhill from there. If they succeed in banning burqas/hijabs, are they going to move on to Hindus that are in purdah or have to wear veils with their saris or salwaar kameez? When does it all stop? Or, is this really about stopping Islam?

Travelista:

Let me see if I understand this: people consider women wearing the burqa dehumanizing towards women but are alright with young girls wearing skirts so short, you can easily see if the curtains match the drapes? I can't believe people are looking to criminalize modesty; where exactly is the world headed? If Muslim women have to lose the burqa/hijab, strip nuns of their habits. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander, right?

I personally don't like women wearing miniskirts, but it's a different thing to force them (through strong moral persuasion with threat of punishment) to wear long skirts. My baby likes knee length skirts and it fits her better than magzi. Do I ask her to continue to wear ankle length skirts? BUT THESE WOMEN MUST WEAR THIS SINISTER BURKA.
It takes a lot away from their humanity. If you feel happy passing your neighbors for 10 years without knowing them, I don't. Simple.

Holla!

Again some individuals think it is their business to determine what other people wear. first and foremost the UK OR ANY WHERE ELSE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BAN ANY FORM OF CLOTHING THEY THINK THEY DON'T like but at the same time they should desist from decieving people of the world that they are a pluralistic society. the has been one of their greatest falsehood foisted on mankind. One of their subtle reasons of banning the burka is simply because despite their claim that islamic country oppress women and force them to wear the burka, has been proven false time and time again, Islam when it touches the soul creates a feeling of submission to the creator and hence muslim woman despite the freedom they supposedly enjoy in the west have continued to wear the burka because they have come to realize that is their religion and hence they they wear their clothes in accordance to their hearts.

While I have no beef whatsoever with people wearing whatever they feel like, I feel Islam is slowly but surely gaining grounds in liberal communities and countries.

I got to understand a few weeks ago that the sharia Law has been adopted in parts of the UK. Ok, fair enough it only has powers to rule on Muslim civil cases. But honestly, it is beginning to look like one rule for some people and something else for others. Surely, this can't be right.

How these women get by in banks, schools and other high-security risk areas is beyond me.

A biker will be denied the chance to fill his tank if his helmet is on. He won't even get a look-in at the banks.

Again, i've got no beef with Burka's and/or whoever decided to wear them but there's got to be one rule for everyone or at least some sort of compromise.

OMO IBO:

While I have no beef whatsoever with people wearing whatever they feel like, I feel Islam is slowly but surely gaining grounds in liberal communities and countries.

I got to understand a few weeks ago that the sharia Law has been adopted in parts of the UK. Ok, fair enough it only has powers to rule on Muslim civil cases. But honestly, it is beginning to look like one rule for some people and something else for others. Surely, this can't be right.

How these women get by in banks, schools and other high-security risk areas is beyond me.

A biker will be denied the chance to fill his tank if his helmet is on. He won't even get a look-in at the banks.

Again, i've got no beef with Burka's and/or whoever decided to wear them but there's got to be one rule for everyone or at least some sort of compromise.

Women who wear burkas are not expected to have bank accounts or enter high security area where faces must be identified. But if they are, then someone has to see their "beautiful" faces.
Whatever anyone says, this is crime against womanhood.

Holla!

I still maintain the women that wear burka in the west have put a lie their tracherous staement that islam oppress women. Instead they are the ones who want to oppress this women simply because they have rejected their materialistic culture and choose modesty. This is simply a war against modesty and what they fear shall surely overcome them.

OMO IBO:

While I have no beef whatsoever with people wearing whatever they feel like, I feel Islam is slowly but surely gaining grounds in liberal communities and countries.

I got to understand a few weeks ago that the sharia Law has been adopted in parts of the UK. Ok, fair enough it only has powers to rule on Muslim civil cases. But honestly, it is beginning to look like one rule for some people and something else for others. Surely, this can't be right.

How these women get by in banks, schools and other high-security risk areas is beyond me.

A biker will be denied the chance to fill his tank if his helmet is on. He won't even get a look-in at the banks.

Again, i've got no beef with Burka's and/or whoever decided to wear them but there's got to be one rule for everyone or at least some sort of compromise.

I don't know if you remember a post that I made some months back? Where I mentioned that once Muslim goes into a society, they play by the rules, until they become significant in numbers and then seek to change everything their own way. You see, I sometimes find myself thinking that those white boys who protest against Islam may perhaps have a point.

Travelista:

There's nothing empowering about a miniskirt; don't even get me started on that feminism nonsense. Little has done more harm to women than the post-feminism movement but, as I said, don't get me started. Just because something isn't 'normal' in the West doesn't make it wrong. I see women wearing gele and ero and buba all the time; it's not native to these shores but we aren't advocating that they stop wearing them. I mentioned nuns wearing habits; should they be banned from wearing their veils? You have to remember that in years past, women were expected to show their virtuosity by covering themselves from head to toe; there's nothing foreign about what Muslims and others like them put on. That only changed dramatically in the 60s/70s and has gone downhill from there. If they succeed in banning burqas/hijabs, are they going to move on to Hindus that are in purdah or have to wear veils with their saris or salwaar kameez? When does it all stop? Or, is this really about stopping Islam?

Mini skirt can be seen as celebrating the freedom of a woman. She looks gorgeous, desirable and not afraid to show it. Can you say the same for a Burka?

Look, while society have norms, rules, law and regulation. I think it is fair for those who may be "Alien" or things that may be perhaps foreign respect the rule of the land. As it stand, there is no problem for now, as all it still a storm brewing in a tea cup. On the other hand, if the law changes like it did in France and Belgium, then let the rules and law be respected. Period. If you have a problem with it, please move to Saudi Arabia or somewhere similar.


Speaking of Saudi Arabia, it is the law of the land to ban churches and other religion aren't allowed. The attempts to ban Burka in the UK (even though it is a private member bill been proposed) is the same. So what is the problem?



Anything that covers the face is against the accepted and known norms in the Western world. Western countries, there have the right to outlaw it IF they deem it so. As it stand, Two third of the UK voting public will support a ban, and that is saying something.

Just thought I should point this out.

This is a a Nun in their "Nun wear".



This from the most point of view of people in this part of the world is seen NORMAL. Anyone can approach them and speak to them, as their faces are readily seen.


On the other hand here is a Burka



I don't know about you guys, but I think it is fair to say most in this part of the world will see this as ABNORMAL. Also there is the human element of distrust that anyone covering their face breeds.


As to how anyone can call this "modesty" is beyond me. What a joke.

what i don't understand is why they dress up so beautiful and then put burkah on it. those in burkah got the most lovely tops/blouses i have ever seen
underneath the burkah is a very lovely dress.

I agree. . . We are social animals and facial identity is an important aspect of human interaction.

Hiding faces is associated with suspicious behaviour. And allowing this kind of masked individuals around is a security risk.

And only a fool will consider that burqa modesty. There are far better ways to be modest than covering head to toe like a bandit.

Even Syria is going to ban full face veil from universities.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10684359


AllahuAkbar. God is great.

Female students wearing a full face veil will be barred from Syrian university campuses, the country's minister of higher education has said.

Ghiyath Barakat was reported to have said that the practice ran counter to the academic values and traditions of Syrian universities.

His ruling, published on the All4Syria website, was said to be in response to requests from students and parents.

The issue of full face veils has caused controversy in other countries.

So those who are claiming this is about Islam, I wonder if Syria is not Islamic enough for you.

ElRazur:

Just thought I should point this out.

This is a a Nun in their "Nun wear".



This from the most point of view of people in this part of the world is seen NORMAL. Anyone can approach them and speak to them, as their face a readily seen.


On the other hand here is a Burka



I don't know about you guys, but I think it is fair to say most in this part of the world will see this as ABNORMAL. Also there is the human element of distrust that anyone covering their face breeds.


As to how anyone can call this "modesty" is beyond me. What a joke.

Your HYPOCRISY is obvious.
Christian modesty=right, Muslim Modesty=wrong??

Jon.Bee:


Your HYPOCRISY is obvious.
Christian modesty=right, Muslim Modesty=wrong??

Cant you see the difference? One has their faces open the others covered, A covered face is a security risk.

Jon.Bee:


Your HYPOCRISY is obvious.
Christian modesty=right, Muslim Modesty=wrong??

Your BLINDNESS is obvious for all to see.

Here, let me explain again in simple terms. Covered Face = Abnormal. Uncovered face = Normal.

Get it?

dayokanu:

Cant you see the difference? One has their faces open the others covered, A covered face is a security risk.

You dey mind am.

Jon.Bee:


Your HYPOCRISY is obvious.
Christian modesty=right, Muslim Modesty=wrong??

Talk about arguing blindly.

Whats the difference between that and balaclavas

donspony:

Talk about arguing blindly.

Whats the difference between that and balaclavas

Balaclavas is for robbing and doing bad, while Burka is just Islamic.

How can you be comfortable when the next person to you is covered up like a ninja. How do you know if he has a machine gun underneath it a sword. maybe the person is a man

^^ No mind them. A wanted killer in the UK escaped dressing in on of those attires. If memory serves me right, one of those alleged bombers dressed as one too or something along those lines.

I am personally not comfortable talking to or dealing with someone if I cannot see their face and they are in front of me.

Saying that, a young lady cannot go to Saudi Arabia and wear mini skirts etc. The society and law of the land there doesn't allow it. The UK needs to protect its identity by banning the burkha just as Saudi Arabia (and other middle eastern countries) are doing by restricting what women wear.

If you go to live in Saudi Arabia, you will respect the society and laws of the land. What is wrong with the UK doing the same and expecting people to respect the British society where seeing your face is important?

donspony:

Talk about arguing blindly.

Whats the difference between that and balaclavas

You're obviously being obtuse. Your argument will make sense if there was also a call for the ban of the hijab(which covers the hair but not the face)

Ban and burn it!!! Anyone seen wearing it should be stripped of it and made to watch it burned to ash!

4 Play:

You're obviously being obtuse. Your argument will make sense if there was also a call for the ban of the hijab(which covers the hair but not the face)

Actually, Balaclava covers the face like a Burka sometimes. Russian special forces wear this and refer to them as Balaclava, so yeah he's on point.

Unfortunately, the proposal has been shot down even before it started.

I guess, we will have burkha's and hijab around us for the forseeable future.

in times/places where your identity must be established by policy or for security resons such as cortrooms, driver license, schools, banks, and similar then yes by all means require them to remove it. at other times, it is not causing you any harm to allow them to wear it

agathamari:

in times/places where your identity must be established by policy or for security resons such as cortrooms, driver license, schools, banks, and similar then yes by all means require them to remove it. at other times, it is not causing you any harm to allow them to wear it

Dont you think its a security risk standing beside a masked person in public when we are no doing Halloween

dayokanu:

Dont you think its a security risk standing beside a masked person in public when we are not doing Halloween

some of the comments here are just so funny.  

dayokanu:

Dont you think its a security risk standing beside a masked person in public when we are no doing Halloween

Halloweeen is spooky enough!! Have you ever been approached by a woman in a burka . . . she is busy trying to get some answers from you( directions or something else) and all your mind is trying to do is figure out if the person behind the mask is there to cause you harm or just some innocent soul . . arrrrggh!! I am usually not biased but come on. I thought modesty had to do with covering up the body, not the FACE!!!

ROFLMAO!