Culture

Political Party Calls for Ban on Burka: "Affront to UK Values"

by Christina 123 | January 17, 2010 at 06:34 am

295 views | 28 Recommendations | 6 comments

The UK Independence Party is to call for a ban on the burka and the niqab — the Islamic cloak that covers women from head to toe and the mask that conceals most of the face — claiming they affront British values. The policy, which a number of European countries are also debating, is an attempt by UKIP to broaden its appeal and address the concerns of disaffected white working-class voters.

The UKIP political party takes its lead from France, where the burka was banned recently. This raises a debate as to how far people should be allowed to choose their own clothing - assuming it does not offend public decency.

One argument is that CCTV cameras cannot see the person's face, but many celebrities and others, who do not want to be filmed every time they step foot outside of their front door go to the length of covering their faces with large sun glasses or a baseball cap.

The other argument, of course, is that the burka is oppressive to women. The man who makes them wear it is in effect saying he does not want other men looking at his "property". If the woman is in agreement because of religious belief, or she herself prefers the privacy a burka affords, how far can we dictate that she is not allowed to?

Having said that, it can be quite unnerving passing someone in the street dressed head to foot all in black with the face covered.

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Uwe Paschen

at 07:53 on January 17th, 2010

Thank you for the post Christina 123 on this issue.

I am not certain that banning any thing would help nor solve much though. I favour education, tolerance and respect my self, off course the Burka is an extreme in it self and its origins have little to do with religion and more with climate and sand storms. Then again in the UK you have snow storm at the moment and the Burka would keep one warm and protected. :) It may become the new winter fashion, who knows?

Christina 123

at 08:22 on January 17th, 2010

Thanks, Paschen! Could be useful in a blizzard, I guess.

Uwe Paschen

at 08:58 on January 17th, 2010

Yes, I can see that being the case.

I did really like your first Video. The text is great. :) They do have a great sense of humour.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 13:20 on January 17th, 2010

Evidently opening the door to immigrants means assimilation to the 'door-opener' -- unfortunately.

Sputnic

at 14:27 on January 17th, 2010

Roy C ? ? ? Why do you continuously spout these anti Islamic lies ! A man has no right to tell a woman what to wear, how can a woman be told what not to wear ? Check out Info.star story about her relationship with the Burka. Many Muslim women choose to wear it. Good to have you back Christina123 nice story