Dutch to ban Muslim veils

[Logan13]

Dutch to ban Muslim veils
By Alexandra Hudson in Amsterdam
November 11, 2006 05:59am

THE Dutch government has announced that it would seek a way of banning the wearing of burqas and other Muslim face veils in public places, possibly becoming the first European country to impose such a ruling.

The announcement comes at a time when the debate on such veils and whether they prevent Muslims from integrating has gathered momentum across Europe and drawn comments from leaders such as Britain's Tony Blair and Italy's Romano Prodi.

Last December Dutch lawmakers voted in favour of a proposal by far-right politician Geert Wilders to outlaw face-coverings, partly on security grounds, and asked Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk to examine the feasibility of such a ban.

Ms Verdonk said the fact veils were worn for religious reasons could bring new legislation into conflict with Dutch religious freedom laws, but signalled the government would try to find a way around this.

"The cabinet finds the wearing of a burqa undesirable ... but cannot at present enforce a total ban," she said after a cabinet meeting.

Existing legislation already limits the wearing of burqas and other total coverings in public transport or schools, Ms Verdonk said, but the cabinet would discuss imposing as wide a ban as possible next week.

"The government will search for the possibility to provide a ban," her spokeswoman told Reuters.

The Muslim community estimates that only about 50 women in the Netherlands wear the head-to-toe burqa or the niqab, a face veil that conceals everything but the eyes.

The Dutch may have been among the first to legalise cannabis, prostitution and euthanasia – earning them a reputation for tolerance – but in recent years they have pushed through some of Europe's toughest entry and integration laws.

Social and religious tensions have escalated in the last few years, exacerbated by the murder of film director Theo van Gogh by a Dutch-Moroccan militant in 2004.

Dutch Muslim groups have complained a burqa ban would only make the country's one million Muslims feel more victimised and alienated, regardless of whether they approve of burqas or not.

"What the government is doing now is totally disproportionate to the number of women who actually wear the burqa," said Ayhan Tonca, chairman of an umbrella group of Dutch Muslim organisations.

"The legislation we already have to protect people for security reasons is adequate," he added.

Hope, a Dutch-born Muslim, said she wore a niqab because she wanted to. "Nobody has the right to forbid it. If someone decides I cannot wear it then I will feel suppressed," she said.

The Netherlands would be the first European state to impose a countrywide ban on Islamic face coverings, though other countries have already outlawed them in specific places.

In 2004, France banned overt religious symbols such as Muslim headscarves, large Christian crosses and Jewish skullcaps from schools, arguing they were contrary to its separation of church and state.

[Kärnfysikern]

Doesnt sound like a good step in my book. Shouldnt citizen be free to wear whatever the **** they want? I can se banning veils at some workplaces and among kids attending school. But banning them alltogheter doesnt seem like it will acomplish much.

Better to make laws like language tests for imigrants ect

[perfectbeast2001]

I kind of agree with you Johan. On the other hand it really annoys me that people move to a different country and make absolutely no attempt to fit in with the countries culture. Even I go on holiday I try to eat local food, adhere to local laws and customs and do not wear things that would single me out or make others feel uneasy (like a union jack vest or something). Why bother moving to a new country if you have no plan to integrate. I'll tell you why, so they can move into a council house and get income support and free medical care, all paid for by people like me. I have just been offered a job escorting illegals back to there own country and I think im gonna like it.

[goose]

I think it`s a good move.I have been to Arab countries like the extreme Saudi Arabia.I repected the culture and law and dressed Correctly.This meant hiding my tattoos removing my jewelry and Piercings,and not wearing shorts in public.

[Snrf]

I kind of agree with you Johan. On the other hand it really annoys me that people move to a different country and make absolutely no attempt to fit in with the countries culture. Even I go on holiday I try to eat local food, adhere to local laws and customs and do not wear things that would single me out or make others feel uneasy (like a union jack vest or something). Why bother moving to a new country if you have no plan to integrate. I'll tell you why, so they can move into a council house and get income support and free medical care, all paid for by people like me. I have just been offered a job escorting illegals back to there own country and I think im gonna like it.

amen!

I hate the fact when I go to Bahrain or Dubai any women travelling with me dress modestly and have still been hissed at by misogynistic muslim men for showing too much arm or some similar illogical complaint. Yet when they come here they wear things which are to my sensibilities far more offensive and expect us to like it.

[Prada]

I kind of agree with you Johan. On the other hand it really annoys me that people move to a different country and make absolutely no attempt to fit in with the countries culture. Even I go on holiday I try to eat local food, adhere to local laws and customs and do not wear things that would single me out or make others feel uneasy (like a union jack vest or something). Why bother moving to a new country if you have no plan to integrate. I'll tell you why, so they can move into a council house and get income support and free medical care, all paid for by people like me. I have just been offered a job escorting illegals back to there own country and I think im gonna like it.

I agree with Johan. why dont they ban piercings adn so on, whats next? I would assume a veil is quite innoucous.

What you are saying I agree albeit a different issue

[JohnboyF]

Perfect i understand wat your sayin but your confusing religon with culture. The vail is a religous piece of clothing... It's almost like the next move will be banning turbans or the jewish religous clothing article (forgot the name)

[3Vandoo]

Hell Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

[Logan13]

Perfect i understand wat your sayin but your confusing religon with culture. The vail is a religous piece of clothing... It's almost like the next move will be banning turbans or the jewish religous clothing article (forgot the name)

Or like banning a Cross in San Diego, California. Or like banning the Ten Commandments from the walls of historically significant monuments in the US that have been in place since the 1700's.

[Carlos_E]

Or like banning a Cross in San Diego, California. Or like banning the Ten Commandments from the walls of historically significant monuments in the US that have been in place since the 1700's.

You can wear a cross in San Diego and you can wear the Ten commandments if you want. No one is taking away your right to wear a religious article. Having them displayed in a place of government is a different story. Come on, you can go better than that Logan.

[Logan13]

You can wear a cross in San Diego and you can wear the Ten commandments if you want. No one is taking away your right to wear a religious article. Having them displayed in a place of government is a different story. Come on, you can go better than that Logan.

Monuments, especially those created and/or erected during the days when this country was first founded should not be up for such persecution. It is, again, the miniority groups crying out about it. The vast majority of US citizens have no problems with the fact that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Obviously the Founders' acknowledged this fact. All of a sudden 200+ years later we have a minority of people who oppose it and wish to impose their ideals over ideals that have been in place since the creation of this country.

[Ufa]

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[JohnboyF]

When in Rome do as the Romans. If go to a foreigh place it is not cool
to offend local customs. Works both ways. They should stay in their
own country and quite trying to change every other country. The
world is not theirs.

See by this statement. In canada we pride ourself as being a multi-cultural nation if people did this they would loose their culture/history your Afro-canadian, indian-canadian etc.

[Ufa]

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[biglouie250]

Monuments, especially those created and/or erected during the days when this country was first founded should not be up for such persecution. It is, again, the miniority groups crying out about it. The vast majority of US citizens have no problems with the fact that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Obviously the Founders' acknowledged this fact. All of a sudden 200+ years later we have a minority of people who oppose it and wish to impose their ideals over ideals that have been in place since the creation of this country.

+1, my money says in god we trust...... send yours to me if you find it offensive.

[Kärnfysikern]

Monuments, especially those created and/or erected during the days when this country was first founded should not be up for such persecution. It is, again, the miniority groups crying out about it. The vast majority of US citizens have no problems with the fact that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Obviously the Founders' acknowledged this fact. All of a sudden 200+ years later we have a minority of people who oppose it and wish to impose their ideals over ideals that have been in place since the creation of this country.

Kind of like the ****ing minister of imigration in sweden that wanted to ban christmas candels in public places.

Offcourse no one took that **** seriously.

[biglouie250]

In canada we pride ourself as being a multi-cultural nation if people did this they would loose their culture/history your Afro-canadian, indian-canadian etc.

quebec has an official language....french. the united states doesnt have a national language. arizona just passed laws making english the dominant languiage. there is nothing wrong with keeping your values and your culture. at the same time you have to understand how not to alienate the people you live with. and also understand that if you move to the US from Iran and we go to war with Iran your allegiance is to the United States....or leave!

[Ufa]

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[biglouie250]

Kind of like enlisting the Japanese to go fight Japan in WWII. I don't think
it is a good idea to send them to fight their countrymen.

i didnt say they should fight, but show your support for the country that allows you to make a living and provide a better life for your family.

[Ufa]

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[Phreak101]

I agree and when I see Mexicans enlisting in US Army I think this person
is American. We should respect him as such.

True that. If Mexicans wish to sign up and fight after they are arrested for being illegal, give em 4 years in the corps then give em their citizenship.