The Dutch Burka Ban

I imagine many have heard about this by now. Given that there's an election just days away in Holland and only fifty or so female Muslims who wear the burka, it's clearly a political ploy.

Is wearing a burka a legitimate security issue? And what of the notion that I've heard the burka is not a required garment, so it isn't necessarily a freedom of religion issue? And are there sexism issues in a women wearing a burka?

To be honest, I like the idea of the ban. But I see it as nothing more than pushing back against Islam and saying if you want to live in the secular west, then play by our rules and don't walk around wearing a sack over yourself. By and large, I like being able to see and identify people I walk past on the street, or see in a store.

There's also a unique American issue as regards the KKK. They covered their bodies precisely to conceal their identities and hoods traditionally have a negative connotation here. But it is a controversial issue worthy of honest debate.

That's my real problem with the Dutch in this case. They are hedging their bets attempting to portray it as something it might not be. They are sending a message to Muslims - play by our rules, assimilate, or leave. And I don't have a problem with that message given current issues around the radical elements of that religion.

Dutch Muslims have hit out at a proposed government ban of face veils, saying it was over the top, ill-conceived and infringed religious rights.

On Friday the Dutch cabinet said it was proposing a bill banning clothing that covers the face in public, targeting in particular Muslim woman wearing the burqa or niqab.

Comments

[Phoenix]

So, it's an infringement on their religious rights? How about exercising their right to leave the country where such bans are not enforced.

Just make it happen. One small step for them; one giant step for the rest of Europe.

[larry]

well, so far so good, but will wait to see if they actually eject beburqa'd hardcases. one thing to threaten ejection; quite another to actually do it. most offensive. feelings WILL be hurt.

[Nell]

I don't see why any country should allow citizens to go around dressed in tents which could be concealing guns, drugs, bombs, escaped felons, abused wives, wanted terrorists and the like.

[LAW AND ORDER]

They can take it off or be hung by it, as far as I'm concerned. No more tolerance for this savagery.