Should America Ban the Burqa? – Chesler Chronicles

Excerpts

Earlier today, Muslims demonstrated in Antwerp to oppose the banning of headscarves in two schools–and the new Swedish head of the European Union, Justice Minister Beatrice Ask, stated that the “27 member European Union must not dictate an Islamic dress code…(that) the European Union is a union of freedom.” As my readers know, yesterday, al-Qaeda threatened France because President Sarkozy had called for a ban on the burqa.

Religious Muslim scholars and other experts disagree profoundly about this. Some say that such attire is merely a pre-Islamic, desert-based custom that has nothing to do with Islam. For example, in 2009, the Muslim Canadian Congress (MCC) urged Canada’s government to ban the burka. Mafooz Kanwar, a professor and an MCC director stated: “The burka is not mandated by Islam or the Qur’an and is therefore not religious and protected under the Charter. In Canada, gender equality is one of our core values and faces are important identifying tools and should not be covered. Period.”

Other Muslim scholars insist that such attire is an Islamic custom (if not an actual law) which women must follow in order to be “modest.”

In addition, and for this reason, the burqa (and niqab ) may also lead to health hazards. Lifetime burqa wearers may suffer eye damage and may be prone to a host of multi-factorial diseases which are also related to Vitamin D (sunlight deprivation ) deficiency e.g. “osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, depression, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain.”

I therefore suggest that we begin a national conversation about whether Americans should consider banning the burqa not only for security-related reasons but on the grounds of human rights/women’s rights and for health-related reasons.
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H/T Rat_des_champs

One very good reason behind many in the west’s desire to ban the burqa. The complete anonymity the burka allows the wearer, is reason enough for a ban in my humble opinion. And personally I like to see faces of those around me! As I’m sure many would agree. It is utterly inane for anyone to expect/demand the allowance of such a ridiculous article of clothing. Burkas/niqabs creep people out. Oh oh, how islamophobic of me. [roll eyes] Heh. As if I care.

Imagine if you will, a teacher or a medical professional wearing a burka/niqab. How could any level of trust be established, if one couldn’t even see their faces?

Or how about this scenario? A clerk at a convenience store has one of the burka/niqab covered peeps walk into his store? That could not be a comfortable situation by any means. To say the least. In my area during Halloween no one can enter any public building with their faces completely covered with a mask. Makes all the sense in the world.

Or even worse, what if one would stroll into a bank or any government building. That should not be allowed under any circumstances. When you walk around covered from head to toe, you freak people out. A normal reaction that should be expected. Not whined about.

Security and trust should over rule sensibilities.

I say yes.

What say you?
[polldaddy poll="1754959"]

Also see:
France sets up burka commission
British Muslim woman calls for burka to be banned
Burka-wearing leads to rickets in children
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Previously:
Video: Ban the Burka – Pat Condell
Sarkozy: Burka’s Will Not Be Welcome In France
Unveiling The Burka As A Security Threat
Oslo: Non-Muslim school girls coerced into wearing Hijabs

Are burkas security threats? Yes.
Should they be banned in the West? Most assuredly so.

The Niqab and Burqa as Security Threats – Daniel Pipes

I wrote a week ago, in a blog for National Review Online, that the niqab and burqa should both be banned on security grounds, “as one cannot have faceless persons walking the streets, driving cars, or otherwise entering public spaces.” Although a problem with historic roots (Iraqi irregulars disguised themselves in the Palestinian town of Deir Yassin in 1948), this blog will document the current dangers, especially in the West, of the burqa and niqab as a disguise.

Jewelry theft in Canada – November 21, 2006
Murder suspect flees UK – December 20, 2006
Jewelry theft in India – December 29, 2006
Philadelphia bank robbed – January 6, 2007
Bank robbers in London – February 10, 2007
Another Philadelphia bank – June 5, 2007
Bosnian bank robbed – July 3, 2007
Burqa used to rob North Carolina bank – October 17, 2007
Armed men rob British jewelery store – March 22, 2008

Several more cases can be found here where you will find a running list.

Note: I’ve only listed the civilian cases.

Pipes expounds further here:

[...] In contrast, burqas and niqabs should be banned in all public spaces because they present a security risk. Anyone might lurk under those shrouds – female or male, Muslim or non-Muslim, decent citizen, fugitive, or criminal – with who knows what evil purposes.[...]

[...] Nothing in Islam requires turning females into shapeless, faceless zombies; good sense calls for modesty itself to be modest. The time has come everywhere to ban from public places these hideous, unhealthy, socially divisive, terrorist-enabling, and criminal-friendly garments.

The imminent danger of possible terrorist attacks involving burka clad jihadists is a real threat.

And should not to be taken lightly.

Period.

NoisyRoom.net

“Veil-wearing Muslim women are part of our fight – al-Qaeda chief,”

The statement – said to have been issued by al-Qaeda’s “media arm” al-Sahab – praised Muslim women who insist on wearing the Islamic veil despite pressures not to in some Western lands. He described anyone doing that as “a soldier in the battle of Islam against the Zionist- Crusader attack”

In Western lands mind you.
From which they are FREE TO LEAVE!

Enough to seal the deal. Ban the burka. Now.

All emphasis mine.