I know some of you may think I am nuts but I would rather be shot or something than to take a freedom like this away without proof of an issue. I had a violent crime committed against me as a young woman and I have tried not to let it affect my thinking about others. I could have let it affect how I feel about all men but I didn't.
Freedom is so important to me and I hate thinking about how 9-11 changed us into paranoia. I just hate it. I have met so many wonderful people from other countries and learned from them.
Kate wrote: I can see both sides of this issue. The need to be able to identify someone is critical, but at what point does it become an infringement on personal and religious liberty?
As you said, being able to identify people who are in public places IS critical in this day and age. We already have laws about showing too much...I'm sure there are those who would like the freedom to walk around naked but there are good reasons to limit that freedom (especially at Walmart and Country Buffet). Imagine how hard it would be to catch a criminal if so many people were walking around concealing their identities.
If ME countries want to keep women hidden and treat them as lesser citizens, that's just part of living in a primitive country. But if those same people want to immigrate to a more civilized country, they need to be prepared to assimilate to the culture of that country. "Sorry folks, we don't allow stoning here either".
The left is angry because they are now being judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.
In London they use face recognition technology on random citizens. Large beards, sunglasses, hats, wigs all can disguise identities. Should those be banned also? What is really happening in France? Is it a step towards security or religious/ sexual harrassment? Is it alright to tell women how they express their religion? Mennonite women must wear hip huggers and get tramp stamps to express their freedom from their "repressive" religion? Where is the line drawn? I don't like being told how I express my faith. I don't like other women being told how to express theirs.
CinnamonGirl wrote: Why? What is the problem with wearing a veil? Are they saying it is a security issue or something?
Frankly, I believe it has come down to a matter of principles. The french have decided that they do not want their culture and ways violated. At least that was the noise regarding this issue some time ago. Security reasons are just a smoke screen, but as good as any as long as there is extremist action.
Also, going fully covered is akin to wearing a mask that does hide who you are. I do not believe most countries will tolerate too many lone rangers in their midst, or for that matter superheros.
archer wrote: If nuns wore full face veils, would they have passed such a law? Just askin
The fact of the matter is they don't. So purely a speculative question and answers based on who knows what perception. Therefore not relevant to the current topic of discussion.
