Belgium bans the Burka.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....-faces-draft-law.html

How is it that Belgium and it seems soon other European countries can ban the Burka, yet if we tried to implement this ruling in the UK, the European Court of Human Rights would soon be down on us?

[trt]

I quite agree aog, but Belgium could also be overturned by EU human rights laws.

Why the hell we agreed to this stupid law just goes to show how weak this Government is of ours.

Roll on next week when hopefully we will be free from them.

[B00]

I think it's a shame that we in the UK can't impose the same law here as well in all honesty.

As a matter if interest, would this also be a deterrent for any would be Muslim immigrants into Belgium?

[Gromit]

Nanny State.

It is ridiculous that the Government can tell you what you can and cannot wear.

[trt]

Gromit, its not that the Government is telling you what you can and cannot wear, there is more to it than that.

If a person walked into a bank wearing a balaclava, what would the reaction be, so why should they be allowed too.

[Kromovaracun]

"if we tried to implement this ruling in the UK, the European Court of Human Rights would soon be down on us? "

Doesn't this case prove the opposite?

[123everton]

400 women wear the burkha in Belgium, a bit ott in my book.
It's an awful law for the benefit of baying mobs, it is the lowest form of popularism.
Maybe they should ban swear words on T-shirts or anti war slogans, anti government slogans or even anti monarchy slogans next.
Not in my name.

[Gromit]

trt, I can agree that faces must be visible in a bank, but this law is not about banks, it is about everywhere. Why should it be against the law to cover your face when you go to the butchers or climb up a mountain or fly a kite.

It is a stupid idea support by intolerant bigots.

[KaptKopter]

I find it sad that someone has counted how many wear it.

[sandyRoe]

What business is it of governments, in Belgium or anywhere else, what type of clothes people wear?

[Quinlad]

These arguments about crime prevention aren't the real reason you want burkas banned. Are they?

Come on.

[B00]

Because the minority look intimidating to the majority?

[waterbabe]

Lets hope you never get mugged then by a burka ha ha

[ummmm]

I don't think it should just relate to banks. Any shop should have the right to see the face of their customer.

Other than that....each to their own.

Saying that the first time I seen a person someone in a burka was a few months ago in Coventry.

[123everton]

I'll sadden you some more Kapkopter, the population of Belgium is close to 11 million, I'll let a better mathematician than I do the percentages.
Simple question, if our government legislated in parliament a law that curtailed the lawful activities of such a tiny minority of people would you view it as value for money?
Furthermore, a second offence will invoke a prison sentence, it's errant nonsense.

[naomi24]

To the defenders: Perhaps before defending a woman's 'right' to wear it, you ought to really think about why she wears it - and it isn't because her religion demands it. Are you absolutely sure you know what you're defending?

[Zeuhl]

The government should not try to regulate what clothing people can or can't wear - it's silly.

However, I believe the law should enshrine everyone's right to see the face of another person.

In our culture, apart from Health & Safety purposes, only robbers and troublemakers cover their faces. We use facial views to gather information and reassurance and to aid communication.

The arabic (not intrinsically islamic) practice of face covering is in keeping with cultural practices that exclude women from travelling outside the home and interacting with others. It has no place on the British High Street, in our public buildings, shops, offices, schools or hospitals or anywhere that it will exclude others from seeing someone's face.

[askyourgran]

Zeuhl for once I agree with you.

[Zeuhl]

Thanks askyourgran

I'm not all bad. :-)