Banning The Burka- Would It Work?

[fiction-factory]

As there hasn't been a new thread on burkas in the last hour I wanted to seek opinions on one point.
One argument raised a few times which i can understand is that it is a symbol of oppression of women. I think it often is. Some say they are forced to wear it against their will , some say they want to wear it and we shouldn't deny that freedom. I suggested a poll of Muslim women would give us more info but the idea was dismissed as i was told we wouldn't know if they were lying.

So, if a ban were introduced would it stop oppression? Would these men who currently force/pressure them to wear it let them go out without one or would they force them to stay indoors so that other men can't see their faces (in which cases they'd be even more oppressed) . Or would the men let them go out but insist they still cover up in public and risk arrest?

Also, from a practical point of view, could it be policed if some people still wear them? If a woman gets on a bus wearing one would the driver be expected to stop and call the police if she refused to uncover her face? Would a shop assistant be expected torefuse to serve them and call security or the police?
Do we know how well it's worked in other countries?

[kvalidir]

It's not an excuse it's a fact.
I'm not prepared to have my freedoms curtailed because people are hysterically frightened of something which has existed quite reasonably here without any sort of fuss until the last few years since the sixties. that's 50 years we've had no problems with it, why now? Because it corresponds with populism and the rise of the extreme right.

[-Talbot-]

Anyone who thinks it is normal to decide that 'today's the day' to stick a woman from head to toe in a black blanket with a slit for seeing through when she has lived her life without one is kidding themselves.

It isn't normal and it is oppressive.

[kvalidir]

America Tora, although I have the right to live in Europe as well thank goodness, so my options are pretty open.

[douglas9401]

I wish you the best of luck with those tolerant colonials.

[Theland]

Kvaldir - Thank you for the denigrating comment. Hope it gladdens you.

[kvalidir]

Well might I suggest you don't post such ludicrous statements if you don't want it pointing out that your own religion is an import from the very region you fear so much, and yes it does gladden me to mention it actually since you seem to imply that you speak for the nation.

[kvalidir]

Thanks Douglas ;-) x

[DTCwordfan]

Is the 2nd or 5th ready for kval?

I look forward with interest - it's an AB version of Ed Ball's programme......

[andres]

kval --- In the 60s I lived in Rochdale and never saw a Muslim woman wearing the burkha. Yes they were covered up alright but in pantaloons and loose tunics.

[nailit]

I personally couldn't give a fig what anyone wears but its beyond me why some apologists for the burka cant see the public safety aspects of people walking around with their face covered up. If I walked around wearing a balaclava with only my eyes showing how long do you think I could go without been pulled over by plod and questioned? Do you think I would be welcomed in a bank? No! So why is it acceptable for some to cover their face in public but not others?

[Barmaid]

The issue i have is that a ban precludes choice. I do agree that in certain instances it is right for head gear that covers the face to be banned and for service providers to have the right to refuse service unless headgear is removed but for security reasons only.

Ive never felt nervous about a woman with a burqa. Shifty looking people with rucksacks on the tube are far more scary.

[kvalidir]

Not sure DT :) https://78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7mfiqYVKA1qbze77o1_400.jpg

[Theland]

Kilvaldir sit atop a mountain of righteous indignation methinks.
Happy travels.

[kvalidir]

Yes Theland your opinions appal me, and I hope that your God can show you the error of your ways. Thanks for the good wishes.

[Theland]

What appals you k?

[kvalidir]

Your intolerant, xenophobic, un-Christian, hate filled attitudes if you must know (for starters), and the way you trundle out your poor daughter-in-law as 'proof' you're not a racist when everything you've said before contradicts that.

[tonyav]

Yes, I think it would work.

[Jackdaw33]

Good luck in America. I'm sure you will find them a much more tolerant and diversity-welcoming society than the nasty old UK.

[kvalidir]

No they're not Jack but I'm going there because my man is there and for work, so not much option actually.

[237SJ]

It'll never happen anyway. There are far too many burka clad women who visit London to escape the Middle Eastern heat and spend a heck of a lot of money over here.