11th May, 2010

Following news that Belgium has banned the public wearing of full face veils, Amnesty International has said such a move sets a "dangerous precedent" and is in violation of people's freedom of expression and religion. In Australia, meanwhile, Liberal Party Senator Cory Bernardi has called for the burqa to be banned, saying it represents the "repressive domination of men over women" and establishes a "different set of rules and societal expectations" for some, allowing them to cover their face when others can't - such as motorcyclists, for example, who are required to remove helmets when entering banks. Such a call has led some sharp responses with claims it would needlessly curb religious freedom in Australia. What do you think? Should the burqa be banned? How does this sit with the public wearing of other religion-related items, such as crucifixes?...  | more...|

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