Who Lent The Echr A Book On Common Sense?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28106900
Finally they get one right!

[youngmafbog]

I bet that would not have been the ruling if it had been the ?UK in the dock

[whiskeryron]

When can we expect to see this sensible rule carried out here ?

[jim360]

I think I'll take that bet ymb.

[anotheoldgit]

Time for the UK to follow suit and introduce a law making it illegal to cover ones face in a public place.

[hc4361]

Would that law apply to everyone, AOG?

[askyourgran]

I hope they make it law here, it is divisive and unnecessary.

[anotheoldgit]

hc436

Yes why not just as the law is in France.

/// French law says nobody can wear in a public space clothing intended to conceal the face. The penalty for doing so can be a 150-euro fine (£120; $205). ///

[Peter Pedant]

Oh God the usual suspects are letting off....

WR - you can expect such a sensible rule when the prime minister says he thinks it is a priority. DC doesnt. HE was asked a few months ago whether he contemplated enacting such a thing and he said no.

as for whether such a rule would be lawful or not -
we know the answer ! You are not allowed in banks with a motor cycle helmet on. Not a question of freedom - you are free not to go into the bank

[hc4361]

Motorcyclists, security guards, brides on their wedding day, disfigured people like my friend who has had all of her lips and most of her cheek removed due to cancer and has to cover up when she goes out.
How about them, AOG?

[ToraToraTora]

Use a bit of common HC, you know what is meant, we can always comeup with those sorts of things, what about kids on Halloween etc. No law is ever framed in those simple terms there will be provisos for the obvious.

[naomi24]

Good.

[Peter Pedant]

hc - hard cases make bad law

you are not seriously suggesting that a priest refuse at the alter to marry someone because he doesnt know who they are ?

modern wonders never cease

[jno]

that'll get women staying inside the house, then.

[hc4361]

It would be a very sad day if Britain dictated what a person can wear.

[New Judge]

Would it be so in these particular circumstances, hc?

There are many specific occasions where the masking of one's face is particularly undesireable. Court has already been mentioned, but any occasion where face to face interaction would be severely curtailed if one party is masked up should be included.

On a wider note it must be the aim of any government to see, as far as possible, that all its people are encouraged to integrate. Muslim women wearing face masks as a matter of course is just about the most divisive action they can take. It marks them out as different, it prevents proper social interaction from taking place and generally discourages them and others from mixing together normally (which, of course, is the entire aim).

There are occasions when it is unavoidable for faces to be covered. It is ridiculous to suggest that brides heading for church and motorcyclists wearing helmets with visors would fall foul of such restrictions. But to allow face masks to be worn routinely with no justification is as absurd as the practice itself..

[anotheoldgit]

hc4361

/// It would be a very sad day if Britain dictated what a person can wear. ///

You try walking down the street in a SS uniform or a Ku Klux Klan Clan robe.

[hc4361]

AOG, it is not illegal to wear either of those in the UK

[New Judge]

No, wearing such items may not be a specific offence, hc.

However, you may find yourself on the wrong end of a Section 4A or (especially in the case of of KKK outfit) a racially aggravated Section 4A Public Order Act offence (Disorderly behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress). Maximum sentence six month's custody (two years if racially aggravated)