is jack straw right in asking muslem women to remove there veils?

Question

i think with no disrespect to there religion they should

Answer 1

Legally, they have the right to wear veils, but what he's saying isn't that it should be illegal for them to do so, he's simply asking them nicely.
And why not I say! This is a land of free speech, he isn't insulting anyone, he should be allowed to say this. On the other hand there are already people saying he should leave. For shame!

For my part, I think that this is Britain, and while I have no problem with them maintaining their customs, covering ones face is considered very impolite here, especially when talking to someone. I think that they should consider that they are in Britain and not go around doing things that is specified as impolite by the culture of the country they have moved into.
The veil is a cultural thing, not a religious one. Such clothes aren't specified in the Koran, and aren't imperative for a Muslim woman, although Arabs do consider them thus, thus it is wrong to say his comments were insulting or insensitive to the religion.

Personally, I think it would be insensitive and impolite for an Englishwoman to go into a Muslim country wearing very sexual clothes, like a miniskirt for instance, and I think the veil is very similar to here.

Answer 2

This is a democracy, Mr. Straw is entitled to say whatever he wants, as we all are.
I heard a Muslim woman on the news earlier say that Mr. Straw had no right to suggest such a thing to any Muslim woman who had "made the choice to wear the full veil".
Muslim sensitivities are on a knife edge, it is only the insecure who could possibly complain and look for hidden agendas in every criticism of their belief.
Each time Muslim spokesmen/ women respond so irrationally they encourage the exact attitude to Islam they are trying to convince the world isn't true.
It is about time that British Muslims, particularly the young, began to realise what an open tolerant society they live in. If as a British Muslim youth you are in any doubt just ask ask your parents why they left their homelands to come here.

Answer 3

I have a feeling Jack Straw will now get Muslim women coming to him who make a point of not removing their veils (he has said they have done up to now) as he requests. I am disturbed that whenever suggestions are made with the intention of bringing people together the response from Muslims is to take it as a malicious attack on them and a call to 'arms' for them to unite in hostility and increase their separateness.

Answer 4

Yes , Yes , Yes , Why not , this is Great Britain , Not an Islamic State so if they don,t like it =Tough , we have had enough of the Muslims gradually soaking into and ruining our culture If they really can,t abide by our ways , - there are some very cheap "One Way" air tickets , so they can Piss off , but they had better remember you can,t go into other countries and get unlimited Handouts. .

Answer 5

Yes, unless Muslim men start wearing them. Honestly, I'm sick of seeing women swathed in black from head to toe with their husbands in jeans and trainers. Of course covering your face puts a barrier between you and the community. Covering your head is one thing but what is so awful about women that they can't even be seen, Muslims? Grow up if you want to live here.

I'm not a Jack Straw fan but he got this right!

Answer 6

Yes, absolutely. If they want to live here they should assimilate, just as they expect us to obey their laws in Iran or Saudi Arabia. Headscarves, yes, veils, no. It's disrespectful to the person you are talking to as well as a way of oppressing women.

Answer 7

i think it is crazy to not conform to the rules of the country you live/visit in. there was a woman in Florida who does not want to remove her veil for her drivers license photo. she has a lawsuit filed. GOOD GRIEF!!! if local laws are so bad why don't folks go back to their home countries and exist there. this is not a religious issue but a security issue. conform or go home, NO MATTER THE COUNTRY. this should apply to all issues except religion. and if tour religious beliefs limit your ability to perform your job, change jobs or do not participate.

Answer 8

Its another way to control women. A look says it all and if shes forced to marry a fat hairy old guy he doesn't have to worry because who going to fancy a veil.

I think if you have come to this country and have not worked for at least twelve months. Go home parasites take your hairy lipped wives with you. PS you can have four wives but you have to be able to provide for them.How dare you grace my homeland.

Answer 9

If they can't show the face, if they can share a minimum respect and share of our culture they can go at any time and not forcing us to acept something that simply is not part of our culture...what is the surprise in realize that is stupid and disgusting in the 21 century to speak with somebody covered until the eyes???.

We are not allowed to use huds in places with camera and they get so surprised...why they keep on complaining and complaining...if they can assume our world...choose a muslim country of your election and simply...go !!!!.

LEAVE US ALONE !!!!

Answer 10

I don't think it has much to do with racial hatred, when you go to another country you respect their rules and customs, ie wearing a veil, covering shoulders in a church etc. So if necessary they should have to remove their veils while in england.