When in Rome

Fellow bloggers, I'd like to ask you how far is too far when the practice of religion is concerned? Britain is an individualist country which allows people to have freedom of religion, this means that individuals are able to practice, teach, worship, change religion or not follow any religion freely. 

It has been an ongoing political debate in parliament whether the burka, which is a full body cloak worn by some Muslim women, should be banned because of the fact it covers the woman’s whole face except the eyes.

Conservative MP Philip Hollobone proposes a bill that states “a person wearing a garment or other object intended by the wearer as its primary purpose to obscure the face in a public place shall be guilty of an offence". It adds that "a person providing a public service in person to a member of the public or receiving a public service in person from a public official shall remove any garment or other object intended by the wearer as its primary purpose to obscure the face unless such garment or other object is reasonably required for reasons of health or safety". It allows for exceptions on the basis of health and safety or "for the purposes of art, leisure or entertainment".

Although this may seem like a valid request some people argue that British citizens should be allowed to wear what they want as long as they are not harming anyone else. MP Vince Cable argues "People must have the right to choose how they want to dress and express their religion," Nick Clegg agrees commenting: "I think it is very un-British to start telling people what pieces of clothing they should wear." 

Are these MPs fighting for human rights or is it just fear of being perceived as culturally insensitive? People who are in support for the burka being banned are often labelled as racist towards ethnic minorities such as Muslims, however, when it is reserved and Muslims are attacking British culture they are not regarded as racists. Is it fair that in a British society we are not entitled to our own opinion towards other cultures without being labelled as racist?

This clip shows an example of extremist Muslim protesters opinion of British citizens. This does not represent all Muslims but is an example of racism towards British women.  

It is argued that the burka can make people feel uncomfortable as it is part of human understanding to read people from their facial expressions. When working with the public it is out of courtesy to show your face; having a hidden face, like Muslims, is another way that makes people feel uneasy towards the religion.

It has been recently reported that Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed, a terror suspect who was facing 20 different terrorism prevention orders, escaped surveillance by dressing in disguise in a burka while removing his electronic tag to free him-self from criminal convictions. Actions like this can make people un-safe as you can never be sure who is underneath the burka. If individuals began wearing other forms of facial clothing, for example balaclavas which also cover the face the government would restrict this. So this leaves me to ask you, do you think the burka should be banned in the UK? Please vote. 

Should the burka be banned?

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