published today : I don’t always agree with Helen Martin but her article on the veil (Sept 23rd) speaks some home truths. If we are approached by a stranger our instincts try to maximise our reading of that individual’s body language and facial expressions so if these are hidden we might be forgiven for fearing some malign intent. The state has no right to prescribe dress code to anyone as they keep their own company but that changes if they approach another individual in a library, a bank or a school. We must also protect institutions, such as our courts, from being compromised in their ability to communicate with someone in a mask. As Ms Martin points out, substitute the veil for a balaclava or a batman mask and there would be little disagreement about where it should not be worn. We tiptoe around this issue for fear of seeming disrespectful of someone’s religion. Some women may say they chose to wear the niqab but we must keep an eye on when religious freedom becomes religious privilege.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 14:20:47 +0000
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