As a Libertarian, you can no doubt imagine that basically I have no difficulty with a mature woman wearing a Burka, if that is what she wishes to do. It is her decision and in most cases she is not hurting anyone but herself by so wearing one. Ergo - let her go to it.
I can hear your comments as I write - i.e. 'but it isn't her decision - rather it is her husband's or father's decision and she is simply knuckling under to male authority'.
Perhaps.
But I think it is dangerous to assume the motives behind one's actions. Moreover, even if it is the case that she is being forced to wear such archaic garb, it is up to the woman herself and women generally in similar circumstance to rise up against this supposed religious custom.
Indeed, there are more and more instances reported where Muslim women are doing just that - both here in the modern word and more importantly, in their old countries.
It took the Suffragettes to secure the right to vote for women and it will take the muslim women to caste off their cloaks of submission and male domination.
That is not to say I believe the Burka can be used to hide behind in every instance. The following are some of the times when the veil must be lifted:
- Photo Id for drivers' licences, health cards, and proof of citizenship for voting.
In addition, French President Sarkozy was correct when he banned the Burka from French schools. There is no way our teachers should be expected to teach a child when all they see is two eyes peering out at them.
In fact, I would outlaw Burkas for children generally since they are not of age to give consent. An adult woman is quite another matter, as I have noted above.
Should an adult woman though decide the Burka is not for her, our society must come to her aid and protect her from retribution.
I truly believe, if we as a society stick to the above approach, the days of the Burka are numbered, both here and around the world.
As I see it..
"Galagher"
