In the UK is it not a Muslim woman's right to wear what she chooses?

Question

Freedom is the freedom to do as one chooses without external interference. Therefore would it be hypocritical if Britain decided the veil may not be worn?

Serious answers only; no racists or bigots.

Remember we are talking about British Muslims and not any other countries Muslims. I think the vast majority of British Muslim women know their rights and if they didn't want to wear the veil then they wound not wear it. I genuinely believe this, it is a choice, no man is forcing them to wear them, I should know as I know a few Muslim women who wear them and they really don't want to be seen around any man without them. My own cousin has started wearing them in front of me, Its not like I'm going to try something is it!

Also, if a non Muslim woman was to wear a short skirt in a Muslim country, I would not care. Its their problem, their solution,I only care for Britain, I am British after all. I dislike people who look at other Muslim countries with a view of judging British Muslims. We are British, not Saudi, Afghan or anything else.

To clarify, a Muslim woman who wears the veil can do the odd jobs, like getting their photo taken for documentation. They take the veil off if there is no man in the room, also, at airports they can be checked by a female passport officer. It really isn't a problem.

Shirley P, where do I start! It seems you feel controlled in some way by Islam and Muslims as a whole. You don't like the fact that when you visit a predominantly Muslim country you have to cover up. As a result, you think its justified to allow the civil liberties of British Muslims to be eroded away. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, I don't care about what the Saudis do, or what the Afghans do or what else anyone does. I am British and I am concerned for British Muslims. Also, please don't feel like you have to walk on Egg shells for us, we are a nice bunch and if you disprove of something, say so, but don't expect us to give up our British Civil Liberties easily.

Lizarddd, you should take heed of your own comment. Britain is a multicultural country. If you don't like the fact that people from alternative cultures have customs of their own then may I suggest that you bugger off, to the north pole, evidently.

Even native English people have very different customs to each other

Luggerbugs, I'd **** myself thinking you were a burglar, and your point is?

Emmauk, I think you are being paranoid. Please see this question: 'Sharia Law - what's it's place in a sovereign nation?' to gain some perspective.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Arc4_zyKk5Ez2Lia1U.Hb5YgBgx.?qid=20061004090627AAoCpwz

Answer 1

a muslim woman can always choose what she wears, its just that she chose to be muslim and follow muslim tradition and wear muslim clothing
nobody is forced to wear anything that don't want to

Answer 2

I think it boils down to a simple showing of respect for our own culture. For instance If I was in Saudi - it would be extremely disrespectful if I were to walk around in a bikini - as a consequence, when brits visit Saudi we cover up. I am not racist and I welcome anyone into my country who will work hard and respect our culture and what we call good manners. Removing the veil so that we can see who we are talking to is good manners. I am getting more than a little tired of being expected to walk around on tip toes with the muslim population. I have no problem with the religion but there is no give and take. Our country also believes in free speech - when we did that we had to contend with muslims all over the UK burning the Koran because somebody said something didnt like. It strikes me that those that cannot at least make an effort to blend into european culture should go back to their countries. It is becoming increasingly difficult to please these people and I dont think that muslims realise just how much they are beginning to irritate. If we were to walk into the local mosque in a bikini with shoes on, muslims would go mad...........instead we don't. we respect your beliefs, but this is going a bit too far!

Answer 3

Yeah ok, I understand what you say but don't you think I have the right to be offended by seeing women like that? My female ancestors fought very hard for the rights of women not just in this country but in other European countries at the same time (I'm from a multi-national, multi-racial family). I don't want our culture to allow this misogynistic religion to flourish here where we've almost eradicated this notion of 'women being the second class citizens'. I am truly offended by these people and what they stand for. In this country women are not murdered for adultery and they are not the property of their husbands. Those days are far gone and I don't want to be reminded of it. Anyway, in former communist countries, did you know that the communist symbols such as the sickle & hammer are forbidden? Those countries that are now democratic can actually ban symbols like that and associate it with the swastika. So, no, I don't think it would be hyppocritical of Britain to decide on issues such as the veil. There should be some common agreed symbols/notions that represent oppression and suffering, which should be banned. We live in an era of bans anyway...

Answer 4

You're absolutely right, mister. I never thought I would see the day that a Labour politician and the leader of the House of Commons would feel an obligation to intervene on what a citizen of the UK should or shouldn't wear.
However, from what I understand Jack Straw has no desire to prohibit the wearing of veils and was expressing his personal opinion that the veils hinder communication with his muslim constituents and not expressing government policy, present or future. Although I don't believe his comments were useful or accurate, he has the same right to express an opinion as your cousin has to cover her face and both should be respected.

Answer 5

I think muslim women in the UK and Canada choose to wear the veil,but not all. Most of the time it is for religious and cultural reasons and how devout they are.

I know in Ontario Muslims tried to make their Shirah (sp) law be as acceptable as Canadian civil law but that was not allowed. The reason being they said other religions had their 'own' laws so why couldn't the Muslims, which is absolutely not right.

So yes Muslim do have a choice and a right to not wear the veil but most do.

Answer 6

Britain is a democratic nation. Freedom of speech and religious tolerance is and has been practiced without prejudice in the past.
Muslim women should be free to wear what she chooses just as Jack Straw prefers to wear his suit and express his Englishness!

Many different cultures live harmoniously in Britain. One person should not try and spark tensions which are already running high! The difference with the muslim faith compared to others is that there is little appreciation to adapting . It is always adapting to force or control rather than accomodating and integrating and raising sensetive issues by pitching everthing in the name of religion. I think that islam is a very tolerant religion if practiced correctly. I have many muslim friend who are excellent peopleand respect them. Difficult to guage what is right and wrong.

Answer 7

I have no problem with these people doing whatever they want, the problem I have is that there are many muslims that would like this country to be ran by muslim law - I would rather die than wear one of those horrible oppressive veils. If you dont like the way this country works then leave, simple as.

Answer 8

One must be free to do as one pleases as long as one does not tread the rights of others, besides to what purpose do they have to wear a veil? I read somewhere that back in the days of old men used to blame women for their infidelities because their charms ( beauty ) were irresistible, so instead of exercising some control on themselves they chose to cover up the women it is like hiding all the children so there will not be child molesters and besides this is the 21st century. God created men and women, do you think God would create something and later be offended by its appearance and have it veiled up? God gift is freedom of will you should be able to exercise it and nobody should care or tell you what to do, that is what i think.

Answer 9

This has gone too far now, lets draw a veil on the whole subject.

There are loads of things we should be worrying about instead of common dress sense, things like terrorism, sexual equlity, paying one's taxes, and making sure our taxis are safe on the roads etc etc.

Anyway this being able to wear what you want is rubbish, the last time I walked down the High Street in my little bikini and high heals, the Police said these exact words, "Sir if you do not cover up, you will get arrested" So were they being racist, or sexist to me????, or were they just asking me to show a little respect to those around me....

Answer 10

i imagine youre lacking an important component right here. "Westerners or perhaps some Easterners sense that the hijab is oppressive in course of girls." You not in any respect pronounced some thing about the Muslim females's point of view. females that placed on hijab do no longer imagine as you say "Westerners" do, because in Islam, hijab is below no circumstances an illustration of oppression. For Muslim females, hijab is a present from God. In Islam, the female body is considered sacred, and females are to be respected. They conceal because they have self belief that their body isn't a commodity, and not in any respect an merchandise to be gaped at. Its so a guy will choose a woman by skill of her movements and her recommendations, and not in any respect on how appealing she is. Like many Muslim females, i became born and raised in united statesa.. i began wearing hijab on my own, and devoid of my father, brother or any relative telling me to. some females, in spite of the indisputable fact that, only placed on hijab because its portion of their way of life, yet you cant tell whats in human beings's hearts. This "western point of view" you communicate about is amazingly nebulous. Many, many Muslims stay contained in the west, and that i dont imagine all individuals and Europeans have one unmarried view on Muslims and hijab. PLease understand, to maximum Muslims wearing hijab isn't oppression, and the media heavily distorts issues. sense free to digital mail with questions- Peace!

Answer 11

I agree that freedom is important - however, flip the coin - if an English woman was to wear a short skirt and a midfriff top in Muslim nations - what would they say?