France's burka ban

[anotheoldgit]

http://tinyurl.com/6gqmpsn

Well done the French for having the guts to introduce the 'burka ban', but it seems with a little trepidation.

/// Earlier, French police said they will be enforcing the country’s new burka ban "extremely cautiously" because of fears of provoking violence. ///

Belgium introduced a full ban last year, and a ban also looks likely in Holland, Spain and Switzerland.

Could Britain ever have the guts to do likewise?

[Tuddypat]

Thing is though, you can't just wear what you like anyway Geezer. You couldn't go around in a t-shirt with a photo of a child being sexually abused on it.

There are people who find the burka equally disgusting.

[Old_Geezer]

Since removal of clothing doesn't affect the ability to identify the individual, I think if folk wish to walk around naked then let them. I'd say their right not to clothe trumps someone else's desire not to see. If folk don't wish to see, don't look.

[jackthehat]

I think Tuddypat has just set off the 'hyperbole alarm'......

[johnk]

The French are great at making laws but do little to enforce them they are only for show. This is just a publicity stunt for sarkozy and won't be taken seriously by the police

[Zeuhl]

There are many islamic countries where you never see a burkha eg malaysia or see very few eg egypt

this is not about being a good muslim it is about conforming to archaic arabic cultural rules that institutionalise women's subserviance.

[Gromit]

Have they banned hoodies then? Or motorcyclists? Or charity collectors in daft costumes? Or Mickey Mouse at EuroDisney? Have they banned anyone else for covering their face?

[Zeuhl]

Gromit

yes; the problem of law breakers concealing their identity with hoodies is already acknowledged
yes; motorcyclists are required to remove their helmets in stores, filling stations, banks etc

Are you equating the wearing of a burkha with the wearing of a fancy dress costume?

[Tuddypat]

Good point gromit. Would be french Burkha wearers should take note - get around the ban by wearing Mickey Mouse costumes. You're covered and legal - everybody's happy.

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect they'd need a licence or be employed by someone who has one. But sure, why not ?

[youngmafbog]

Well I find the Burka offensive. I have no problem with muslim believers but this is an oppression and is NOT requried for the erligion. It has no place in our Western society.

[maclarencat]

I dont think the Burka is required to be a good muslim. It is a cultural choice not a religous one. As for people in hoodies and crash helmets I think you will find they are asked to remove them in places like banks and shopping centres so why is wearing a burka acceptable in these areas.

[Tuddypat]

What if you dressed up as Minnie Mouse with a Niqab on? - This could open a whole legal can of worms.

[Zeuhl]

Minaret Mouse?

[Zeuhl]

And Mosquey Mouse!

[jackthehat]

Step away from the cooking sherry, zeuhl...................:D

[Answerprancer]

"...having the guts". Ah the git and his passive aggressive stance on all matters pertaining to the extreme right. It's not a question of "guts" or lack thereof Mr Git - the French government has (as you probably know) had a history of right-wing influence, it's to be expected that they will do something like this.

[Zeuhl]

YoHo jack

it's the sunshine - it's made me light headed