Should British Muslim women remove the veil?

Question

In the islamic countries the foreigners are forced to use the veil...

Answer 1

NO... and by the way nearly all muslim countries except one allows foreign women to wear what they like in their country. So you need to get your facts straight!

Answer 2

If we are talking about the veil that goes around the head, I think it is just on the boundary. Yes, it is like the ones wore by christian nuns, but they are nuns!

Regarding the veil that covers the face, then there is no doubt whatsoever in mind that it should be ban from any civilised country. Now, if those Muslim woman want still to keep it, then they should go to live to another country, as they clearly do not share the same essential values of the UK.

Answer 3

Taking into account the real, and present, threat of terrorist activity it is not conducive to allaying the fears of the population for any person to hide their face behind a veil, balaclava, tights or any other form of disguise.

The wearing of flowing robes AND a veil allows any man or woman to conceal their true identity.

It is not a reasonable argument to say people should have the freedom of choice. Freedom is not and never can be an absolute.

Those termed as 'Hoodies' are banned from entering some shops and most banks. Similarly those wearing balaclavas or motorcycle crash helmets.

It is in the interest of the whole population that the face be uncovered.

Those who persist in wearing a face covering are not considering the sensitivities and legitimate concerns of others and are raising a barrier between themselves and the mass of the public.

The face is the most expressive feature of a human being and covering it only leads to suspicion and a lack of social propriety.

Answer 4

Islam do not oblige women to cover their face. Look at Muslim Countries: Egypt, Iran, Pakistan.... in these Countries women do normally wear a veil to cover their head, but not their face! Why should British Muslims be more extremist than people in Muslim Countries themselves? It's clearly a way to indicate that they don't want to be part of our society. Covering the face is also a threat for security. Yes to the veil, as long as it does not cover the face!

Answer 5

They should wear it as long as it is their own decision, and not an obligation. It is part of the freedom in this Country.
The problem is that since 9.11 many mulsims have reaffirmed their culture by wearing the veil and this confronts the society.
I believe, woman should be protected in order to choose to wear or not the veil. And if they do not want to, then they are free to remove it. But no one should obligate noone to use or remove anything.
There is the case of Leyla Sahin of Turkey. She cannot go to the university in Turkey with a veil, while in almost every European Country, they can.
Or here in Germany the problem of the teachers with the veil...

Answer 6

They should abide by our culture as we are forced to do wherever their culture rules.
If they don't like it, no one is forcing them to stay here. There are plenty of Muslim countries where they will have to wear the veil, they can go to one of these, I am sure they will be much happier.

Covering your face in this country is rude, and makes people feel uncomfortable. A person's facial expressions tell you a lot about that person when you are talking to them, and also deaf people need to see someone's lips to understand what they are saying.
Muslim women (if they have any choice in the matter, which is often not the case) should be more considerate to other people and put the sensibilities of others above some outdated tradition.

Answer 7

I definitely think that British muslim women should remove their veils, especially this day in age. People aren't allowed to wear crash helmets or balaclavas inside certain places because of security reasons. In my opinion, this is no different for these veils.
If these people are choosing to live in this country, then they must obey our rules/laws. If we went to a muslim country, we would be expected to abide by the laws, which is fine, but it works both ways.
Those, that seem to be questioning these things appear to be the ones with the most to hide. If they don't like it, they know where the door is!

Answer 8

Once I did read an article made by a muslim woman, she said that thw use of the "burqa" (the real name of the veil) it has a really deep meaning for them, of respect...not about freedom... like a lot people think...

What most of the people should do... is to have respect to other cultures.... tolerance... We shared a similar culture, where the brands rules, some other don't but that doesn't mean they're wrong... If you want more information look for Lila Abu-Lughod, this article was taken from American Anthropologist 104

Answer 9

Interesting question. First let us call to mind the Ancient Jewish woman, while they did not wear a veil they did cover their head in honor to the Lord as did early Christians, and it was once required that women wear a scarf or hat into Cathoilic Church. While I do not subscribe to Islam nor it's beliefs, I think it should be left to Muslim women what they wish to wear. I myself would like to see Jewish and Christian women today honoring the Lord and covering their heads when in Church or in prayer. They do not dishonor me but the Lord in not doing so. Not my words but the Bibles.

Answer 10

It should be a matter of choice. Please do not generalise it is not in all Islamic countries that non-muslim women are requested to wear a veil. On the same level do you believe it would be acceptable for a member of a tribe from the Amazon not used to wearing clothes to wear just their traditional string or penile shield to walk around the streets of western cities or would it go against your rules. When in Rome so to speak. In Britain the right to choose has long been one of the pillars of our society, let us not destroy this by becoming intolerant. I believe your question was genuine for once and hope you accept my answer in the same spirit