Eliminate Inequality!

There is a lot of discussion in Britain about banning the Burka at the present, following bans in Belgium and France. I am fully in favour of a ban on the Burka - not because I am racist or feminist but because it is FUNDAMENTALLY UNFAIR.

I have heard a Burka ban described as prejudiced, un-British or infringing on personal freedom of choice - this is not true for one very simple reason: every other person in this country HAS to show their face.

A ban on Burkas would simply close a loophole in British law. Why should a Muslim woman be exempted from breaking existing laws? Anyone else walking around a public place with their face concealed could be challenged and possibly arrested! The police have the power to seize masks and garments used for concealment. Yet, on the grounds of religion, these women are given a freedom denied to every other citizen. If that is not racist, and indeed sexist as this exemption only applies to women, I don't know what is!

No other member of our society can conceal their face and that is inequality. I do not approve of the Burka - I think it is inappropriate and a potential factor in supressing women. However, if I lived in a country where wearing one was required by law I would abide by that. The law of this land is that no one should have their face hidden from sight without ample cause. Islam is not ample cause, because wearing the Burka is not a requirement of the faith but a matter of personal choice.

A British Airways employee was sacked not so long ago for wearing a non-regulation Christian cross to work. She appealed and lost. She did not have the right to express her faith in the manner she chose because it was a matter of personal choice.

I am irritated that in all the discussions I have heard on the news no one has brought up this simple point. I have heard anti-Burka ban politicians spouting about how there should never be a law saying what we can or can't wear but the point is THERE ALREADY ARE! I cannot walk about in public naked (as if I'd want to!) or disguised or concealed.

If I wear a mask I would be challenged. If I wear a hooded top into a shop I can be kicked out as such garments conceal a face from security cameras - I heard of a toddler being banned from a shopping centre because he was in a hoodie! I cannot choose to hide my face...so why should anyone else regardless of race, religion or gender?

If the Burka is not banned the law ought to be changed to allow everyone the choice to conceal their face in a public place - but can you imagine if anyone and everyone could wear a Burka-like garment?! Security cameras would be rendered obsolete and crime would soar!

Police Officer: Can you describe the person who mugged you?

Victim: Not really...

Police Officer: Height?

Victim: Medium-ish...

Police Officer: Male or female?

Victim: No idea...

Police Officer: Ethnicity?

Victim: No idea...

Police Officer: Well, what were they wearing?!

Victim: Ah, you see officer - they were dressed as Mickey Mouse...

I used to be terrified of people in costumes like that when I was a kid. There was actually an acid attack case some years ago, loads of people saw the perpetrator but I don't think he was ever identified...he was dressed as a clown at the time.

People are supposed to be identifiable for a reason and no one should be exempted. One law for all please!

[Edit: This is badly phrased and I apologise. I have always understood the importance of cultural exemptions but the burka is a choice not a cultural marker - some Islamic women choose to wear them, others do not. There is no consensus. This is not anything like the Sikh Kirpan (knife) which is on obligatory article of faith although many Sikhs use a symbolic Kirpan rather than a 'real' (functional) blade or choose to forgo it in order to avoid frightening the ignorant. Fairly sure that if a Sikh used a Kirpan to threaten or harm someone the cultural exemption would be negated.]