Debate rages over the right to wear burkas

This article is published in today's Northants Evening Telegraph:

Debate rages over the right to wear burkas

It is the religious equivalent of going round with a paper bag over your head with two holes for the eyes.

This was the comment from Kettering MP Philip Hollobone in the House of Commons this week as he called for British Muslim women to stop wearing the burka.

During the parliamentary debate, he said: "I have huge sympathy with those who say they want action against those who want to cover themselves up in public.

"How ridiculous would the House of Commons be if we all wore burkas? How would Mr Speaker be able to identify which Member to call next?

"It is offensive in my view to want to cut yourself off from face-to-face contact or recognition with other members of the human race.

"I think we should certainly look at ways to tackle that issue."

His comments come after a poll revealed a third of Britons want to see an outright ban on wearing the burka in public, and two thirds believe wearing it should be illegal in places such as banks and airports.

The UK Independence Party has already called for an outright ban on the burka in Britain and the French parliament is thought to be considering a law banning the full Islamic veil.

But although Conservative Mr Hollobone told the Evening Telegraph he stands by his comments, his party has been keen to distance itself from the comments, saying they do not represent its views.

Yesterday Mr Hollobone hit back, saying the Conservatives were being cowardly and that the burka is 'inappropriate' in modern British society.

So why has this traditional Muslim custom caused such controversy?

Muslim women wear the veil because it is seen in their religion as a way of preserving their modesty in the presence of men.

Wearers of the burka say they are not forced to cover up but rather they choose to wear it as a mark of respect and because it is stated in the Koran.

But opposers of the burka argue it is out of place in modern Britain and makes communication more difficult.

MP and Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw hit the headlines when he revealed he asked Muslim women in his constituency to remove their burka in meetings with him because he wanted to talk to them 'face-to-face'.

The custom of wearing the burka is also uncomfortable for some people as Muslim men are not subject to the same code of dress.

Mr Hollobone's remarks have sparked widespread debate about the burka on the Evening Telegraph's website and its Facebook page where readers have been posting their views.

One reader, Roberto, of Kettering, said: "I applaud Mr Hollobone for his bravery in speaking out about this appalling garment which should indeed be banned in public places.

"I often wonder why the Marxist feminist lobby in this country, usually so vocal about Western women's rights, say absolutely nothing about their burka-clad sisters?"

Michael Goode, of Kettering, agrees. He said: "People should be entitled to wear what they like, it is a free country.

"However if someone decides to live in the UK then they should be prepared to change to our way of life and not try to impose their views and religions on us."

But Gail McDade, of Corby, describes Mr Hollobone's views as 'serious ignorance'.

She said: "Some people just want to cause trouble. The women who chose to wear a full burka are entitled to do so. If everyone was a little more accepting of others, we would all get on so much better."

Kettering Muslim Association was shocked by Mr Hollobone's comments in the House of Commons.

Secretary Suhel Dudha said: "Mr Hollobone is entitled to his opinion but it's more than a little short-sighted. MPs are not in a poition to be taking moral lead on things."