Would removing veils improve community relations?

2311 published comments with 83 censored.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Alan on Thu Oct 05 17:38:53 UTC 2006. 10 recommendations.

Well done Jack Straw. There have been a number of similar, sensible suggestions coming out of the labour party over the last month or so. All seemingly coming to understand that there has been too much of this one way discrimination. If you choose to live in England then respect our laws, principles and codes of conduct. We are happy to integrate anyone who agrees to this, those who do not should reconsider whether they want to live here rather than try to change us.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by George Smith on Thu Oct 05 19:19:11 UTC 2006. 4 recommendations.

Perhaps everyone in the country should wear a veil then the cameras, especially speed cameras would be obsolete. Just thank goodness they are not wearing all red otherwise the postal service in this country would go to pot.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Kevin Mullen on Thu Oct 05 20:57:37 UTC 2006. 22 recommendations.

"After all are we not living in a country that celebrates freedom of expression? As long as no-one is being harmed by it, I don't personally see what all the fuss is about."

-Farah, Bradford

Freedom of expression, huh? Fair enough. So if a newpaper in Europe were to re-publish cartoons of Mohammad with a bomb as his turban (LOL!), the Muslims wouldn't react again with violence, burning and murdering more innocents? Or would they respect this "freedom of expression" you talk about?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by smartartz on Thu Oct 05 20:56:37 UTC 2006. 9 recommendations.

Straw is absolutely right. Covering your face is rude and intimidating, and makes equal discourse impossible. It is not a custom worthy of respect. Mainly because concealing one's face does not respect the other person. It is something more usually associated with bank robbers and terrorists. It is an act of social abuse.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Mustafa Yorumcu on Thu Oct 05 20:47:37 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

If I said "I find those Jamaicans with huge, braided, un-washed bunch of hair dirty and harmful", would BBC publish this comment, or axe it due to anti-racist policies ?

I don't think full-face veil is right. But some of the comments here are outright racist and way too emotional.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by RoyHills on Thu Oct 05 21:21:17 UTC 2006. 5 recommendations.

If these people persist in living in the UK while wearing their comic opera dress, then they are never going to be accepted as anything other than foreigners. By making themselves so very different to the indigenous population they are saying that they are only here for the economic benefits and have no intention of integrating.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Peter Thyne on Thu Oct 05 21:21:09 UTC 2006. 9 recommendations.

When is this hypocracy going to end ? Western Women are obliged to dress more modestly than they are accustomed to in most Middle Eastern States, Houses of worship that are not Muslim are banned in Saudi Arabia, yet Europe is awash with Mosques and Headscarves. What is good for the goose is good for the Gander.... Make the wearing of veils illegal until we begin to see some parity. I am sick of the hypocritical double standards of the Muslim world, time to stop appeasing these fanatics.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Xdhillon on Thu Oct 05 21:20:34 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

I feel that Mr Straw is right. It is about time that non-Muslims state how uncomfortable they are with some of the near fanatical Muslim customs and traditions.Muslims living in the West have to show a greater respect to the culture and traditions of their adopted lands and if they cant then they have to seriously consider their position. I feel that the time has come for the silent non-Muslim majority to speak out on such issues. It is very brave of Me Straw to have done so.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Ron on Thu Oct 05 21:20:15 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

Why should we change anything in this country to suit ethnic groups because it offends them they choose to live hear they should abide by our rules or get out Britain is not Britain anymore, they should not cover there faces. We should stop being so soft when in Rome do what the Romans do,( I would emigrate if I were younger) glad Jack Straw is speaking up for the way most of us feel

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Amreen on Thu Oct 05 21:52:21 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

From reading peoples comments, it seems to me only non-Muslim men have a problem with us wearing the veil. I wonder why that is!!!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Jaco_P on Thu Oct 05 22:14:19 UTC 2006. 3 recommendations.

We've definitely got things back to front here. Muslims who are up in arms about Jack Straw's comments seem to forget one simple fact; this is NOT a predominantly Muslim country. Western women are forced to cover up when they visit Muslim countries. Muslims who really wish to reside in the UK should be obligated to observe our social customs and integrate themselves into OUR society, as we would have to in theirs, rather than come here for the economic benefits....

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Neal Inwood on Thu Oct 05 22:14:19 UTC 2006. 4 recommendations.

sorry chaps, you are now WAY out of line.
At circa 3 % of the UK population, It is time for the Muslim population to get real.
Jack Straw has been more than delicate in his suggestions.
The UK is a Christian Country with Christian mores
the UK is tolerant beyond belief for alternative religions and beliefs
Fit in or get out

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by mnewdick on Thu Oct 05 22:12:58 UTC 2006. 4 recommendations.

All those shouting "prejudice" and "not fair" need to understand that by wearing the veil they are acting contrary to British culture and social norms. Put bluntly, it's our country and we don't like it.

If you want to live like that, go live in Saudi or Iran.

Sorry, but that's the way it is.

(Expat)

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Dave on Thu Oct 05 22:12:37 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

We respect other cultures and dress codes when we are in their lands, Muslim communities should do the same and give a little. Britain may be a tolerant society but this argument by the Muslim community only drives a wedge into a deepening divide, more strenghth to the BNP!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Hazel Thomas on Thu Oct 05 22:46:14 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Well said Mr. Straw. The first positive thing I ever heard from this government. "When in Rome" rings some bells. It just seems that everything now "upsets" he Islamic faith. If Muslims cannot accept our way of life and accept the basic fact that we are a Christian nation, they also have our freedom of choice. They are free to leave.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by gingertom5005 on Thu Oct 05 22:44:58 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

On one news report today there are muslims almost calling for Jihad about a comment and bereaved Amish practising forgiveness.

The pope makes an academic quotation and a nun is killed, churches are burned and islamic fanaticism flares up. The bereaved Amish forgive.

Is forgiveness a muslim concept?

Jack Straw has a point, faces are meant to be seen.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by A Buckmaster on Thu Oct 05 22:44:27 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Jack Straw is right. I don't see how people can just let others walk all over our values and norms. It frankly is a disgrace. If Muslims want to integrate into our society they should accept and partake in out way of life. If not they should not be in this country.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Chris McMurray on Thu Oct 05 21:46:30 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

I don't know what the Muslims are like. They take offence to a very simple request? And it sets them off in fury? Yet they see it as ok to come into our grand kingdom, put us out of our jobs, take up living and hospital spaces. Do as they wish and not show any respect to other religions? They persecute Christains and offend us in bigger manners, yet all we have to do is ask a simple question? I don't know... I think it's time British Muslims to respect our laws and other religious views.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by David on Fri Oct 06 08:43:59 UTC 2006. 3 recommendations.

The veil is a symbol of womens rights and a way for muslim women to say they are independent and not opressed.
SALMAAN DALVI, LONDON, United Kingdom

That would explain why we have seen footage of the Taleban "Religious Police" beating women in the street with large sticks because their veil or other part of clothing did not cover them completely.
Women's rights? Don't make me laugh. In Saudi, women are not allowed to drive a car. Their status in the family is just below the family donkey

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Jim on Fri Oct 06 08:42:58 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

FOR SALE: Jack Straw burning effigy dolls. Life size, easy to ignite, comes complete with "Jack Straw You Will Pay" sign. To operate simply light, gather round and shout and wave your arms in a threatening manner. **Stock Warning** Last few Pope Benedict dolls left, be quick. We are awaiting more of the Bush and Blair kits as they are our best sellers. Another Muslim storm in a tea cup.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Miss Rajani T. on Fri Oct 06 08:53:35 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

contd:
In revenue cly, and in warangal and in hyd no one is our side. everyone in that cly is sujatha's side and that inspector vijayalakshmi and papa rao old man rapist and their gangs etc, and these beasts hunted our family as no match came from any part of india and everyone shouting already too late though worker to show society and live in society got married and living by drinking poison orinsulted but living respectfully and asked learn from my brother by dragging our feet to gulshan gro

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by impervious on Fri Oct 06 08:49:50 UTC 2006. 3 recommendations.

I've had it with the Muslims.

Issues surrounding Muslims in the UK are pervasively intruding into my daily life, my family's safety and, indeed, the long term future of this country and its culture.

I suspect that most of you out there are coming round to this way of thinking if not there already.

Yet there's nothing we can do about it. It's too late. It'll get heavier and it won't get better.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Judy Miller on Fri Oct 06 09:15:17 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Well done Jack. It's about time someone stood up to the people who are trying to take over and rule our country. I am sick to death of the way we have to bend over backwards to avoid upsetting the Muslims. They are more than welcome to live in our country but they should also be part of out country, not separate. Perhaps more politicians should take his lead and show who is really running the country.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Joan Bygrave on Fri Oct 06 09:08:23 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I fully agree with Jack Straw. How can you possibly hold a meaningful conversation with a person covered from head to toe in a black shroud. Who is to say who the person is underneath. I am mightily sick of hearing about muslims and their continual complaints. They are either accusing others of treating them badly, foisting their religeon on our country, in our faces 24-7, rioting and commiting violent acts. They don't wish to integrate here in Britain that is obvious.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Michelle on Thu Oct 05 18:01:08 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

If muslims choose to live in the UK, then they should live by OUR rules not theirs. By muslim women wearing veils all they are doing is alienating themselves from society. I don't think they are helping community relations at all. How can you communicate with someone who has their face covered!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Stephen on Fri Oct 06 11:03:51 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

I ride a motor bike and I am frequently asked to remove my helmet when paying for fuel. This is so i can be identified. I see no difference between my helmet and a veil.
Its also considered to be good manners to remove hats and scarves indoors. Good manners are something that all muslims seem to lack.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by john on Fri Oct 06 11:20:39 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

To KAZ of Havant if your women wish to be excluded then dont make a song @ dance about them being excluded ok. As for you being a British muslim you ask where you should go how about Somalia where your so called peacefull religion is killing thousands or how about Pakistan where the govt have left 1.8 million muslims to rot after the earthquake, it seems to me that the 'infidels of the west'are always helping you out in return you burn our flag or want to chop of heads time to ban your religion?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Peter on Fri Oct 06 11:39:52 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Jack Straw is 100% correct...period.
How can a post office shop worker be certain that a women wearing one of these gowns is 'the right' person when handing out family benefits etc...
It could be anybody!

Also, I believe it shows a complete lack of respect for our country and all we stand for.

We should be strict with our customs and rules, just like the countries these people come from, where bibles are shredded at airports etc...

I've had enough of them.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by mr dobson on Fri Oct 06 11:37:22 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

here we go again,the jumped up muslims throwing another wobbly, they need to realise they are living in a christian democratic country with free speach. i can't recall any muslims running up the beaches on d-day!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by jazzy_diva on Fri Oct 06 10:51:23 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

"Tell your government to give all my tax money back and then ask me to leave.
Kolqur Rahman, London"

Mate when you also refund us all the free NHS, Education, housing, child credits and other benefits then we'll be quits. Remember single people like me pay loads of tax to subsidise people like you with, I assume, famillies. You don't see me moaning about it, so why don't Muslims do us all a favour & shut up about their perceived "issues". Or else move to one of the 53 Islamic countries.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Andy Robinson on Fri Oct 06 11:31:36 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

No community relationships will not be improved. But Muslims get a life, if you don't like criticism in this basically Christian country or the EU then go to an Islamic country, e.g. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia etc. Where Christians are attacked, prevented from practicing their religion and Christian women must go covered up but don't become suicide bombers at this very obvious bigotry! Oh you live here to improve your life, well get on with it and stop trying to kill others.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by salehma on Fri Oct 06 11:30:48 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Can the "if you dont fit in/like it, you can leave" brigade stop with that already. Us British Muslims arent going anywhere anytime soon so if you dont like it go home and throw a tantrum, plus it was getting kind of childish.

I was going to give you my two pence worth but reading some of the comments here I see that it will be hopeless. So just carry on with your prejudiced views. You are just proving why most muslims don't like mixing in with you.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by orraloon on Fri Oct 06 11:26:54 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Kabeer, there are not different rules for Muslims - they are under the same laws as everyone else. Jack Straw was merely stating that requesting a veil removal should not be regarded as insulting to Muslims
You and those of your faith are far too touchy. If I felt so allienated and disenfranchise by this countries society then the alternatives are fairy obvious. Where to go you ask? Well, there are plenty who find their way into the UK. Perhaps the system could work in reverse?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by loyallittleenglander on Fri Oct 06 11:25:07 UTC 2006. 3 recommendations.

Of course removing veils would help community relations, which is why Muslim women wear them. The sooner the government realise that the Muslim community do not want to become integrated with us "evil infidels" and stops bending over backwards to pander to every little nuance of their religion the better. Maybe when all women in this country are covered from head to foot and Sharia law is introduced they will be happy - but perhaps not, they'll find something else to be offended by!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by martha on Fri Oct 06 11:43:40 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Personally I find many Muslim women hold themselves aloof from society. They avoid eye contact even with other women. And I find it extremely rude, when they shun common courtesies. Its not only veils, but also their apparent lack of interest in whats going on around them separates them from us 'infidels'.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Waseem on Fri Oct 06 11:42:54 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

It looks like to me that it is the wider non muslim community who has the problem here. Is it just me who notes that Jack Straw has Jewish ancestory? The way I see it every one has their agenda and judging by the comments it appears as though its is not the muslims who are the touchy ones!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Kumar Shannu on Fri Oct 06 11:42:48 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Jack is right, its simple courtesy. If you are truly modest, your face is nothing to be ashamed of. I have seen lots of veiled women behaving immodestly and this whole Muslim business is getting really annoying ... if you do not like the West then LEAVE and everyone will be happier (But of course you wont knowing you will not have the freedoms you enjoy here in a Muslim country so in my book, its all hypocrisy.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Proud Muslim on Fri Oct 06 11:41:49 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

So should Muslims respect the Brits and agree on the culture of going about looking like tarts? The clothes some "women" wear are disgusting and degrading - short skirts, tight trousers/jeans, small,tight tops I wouldn't call the people who wear these clothes women! It gives out the wrong impression making them look easy. These Muslim women are obeying the rules and what Allah wants them to wear, they shouldn't stop wearing veils etc just because some of you find it uncomfortable.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by lindsayoak on Fri Oct 06 11:41:00 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Why do muslims think they have it so hard? They are in Britain - have jobs, have free healthcare, Muslim children get a top education.. free. If its all that bad please feel free to go - In the meantime how about the muslims show a bit of respect for the people that are letting them stay here and welcomed them into the community... Instead of giving the whole nation ear ache When you are asked to remove your headwear. What happened to pride in your country. Its very sad.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Graham on Fri Oct 06 12:29:03 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

The Burqa is the symptom, not the problem so I won't waste my time arguing about their dress sense. The problem is simple: mass migration. The experiment run by liberals for the last 60 years has failed. What has to happen for them to admit this? What is their measure of success or failure? End of story. Until we address that openly, without anything off the cards, we are wasting our time. Anything else is just noise.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Sue Hudson on Fri Oct 06 12:42:15 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Why is the Muslim council getting all upset about perfectly valid comments? The wearing of veils is an archaism. Looked at from a western point of view, it’s also incredibly rude. A bit like having a conversation with someone who's wearing sunglasses: not particularly pleasant, is it? However, I suppose the Muslim Council will never be happy until we have Sharia law, all women are wearing burquas, and everyone drops everything five times a day to pray to someone who may or may not exist!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by tom on Fri Oct 06 12:55:12 UTC 2006. 2 recommendations.

I've got a way to satisy everyone. Why not have muslim ladies remove all clothing except for their veils. They would preserve their modesty. No man would look at their face and the west's obsession with naked flesh would also be sated. Well done Mr Straw for bringing this issue to debating table !!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Mylo on Fri Oct 06 12:54:56 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

As far as i,am concerned they shouldn't even be able to wear there robes never mind covering there faces, they shouldn't even be allowed to speak there own language over here, its our country and they should respect us more, if they don't like it theres one easy option for them GO HOME and don't bother us anymore

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by foun-n-twenty on Fri Oct 06 12:53:49 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Ever wondered what is hiding under these veils. A hairy top lip, full set, nasal hair, warts pimples, bags under those shifty eyes, boxers nose, black teeth? Muhammad Khan, fine old English name. My British ancestors go back hundreds of years. How far do yours, a lorryload of ilegals on the Dover Ferry? 101% behind Jack Straw, same as many other true Brits who are fed up with whinging Muslims. Conform or push off where you came from.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Proud Englishman on Fri Oct 06 12:53:35 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

The person who call themselves Great muslim.How dare you live amongst the people of this country and degrade the women here with your backward small minded thinking.You probably are happy to accept all this country offers but obviously don't want to be part of it.If you were sincere in your thinking you would go to a country that might share your views.This is a western Christian society,either come to terms with it or get out and do us all a favour.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by ALEX on Fri Oct 06 12:52:06 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Bravo for Jack Straw !

Would it be thought acceptable for someone to go around in public,dressed as Darth Vader ?

I think not !

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by natasha on Fri Oct 06 13:11:52 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Oh Careful Mr Straw next they will be burning effigies of you and torching Churches. Where is the freedom of speech? Our traditional British society is fast disappearing in favour or should I say 'fear' of upsetting others religions & beliefs. I am increasingly finding the Muslim religion a violent, sexist & deprived. Oh.. and women in Pakistan who get raped are jailed (unless the crime is witnessed by 4 honorable muslim men) and cast out from their families. Live in our country - live our way!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Mahesh on Fri Oct 06 13:07:15 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Muslim women who want to cover themselves from had to toe should understand the fact that veiled women remind people of repressive regimes like the Taleban who are sworn enemies of civilised nations like ours (Britain). Why dress the way our enemies want you to? This is not about freedom to wear what you want to wear. This is about turning your back on Islamic fundamentalism.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by saul on Fri Oct 06 13:03:42 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

One of the biggest problems is that Islam doesn't like looking at itself. While the west tears itself apart being self-critical and trying to not offend Muslims, Islam is being forced to confront some of its more unpleasant facts and it doesn't like it. It's clear that veil-wearing is divisive and mostly an invention of dominant muslim men. Muslim women would have a more powerful voice if they were treated equally in Islam. Currently, it's shameful and a reason Islam is so violent

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Pat on Fri Oct 06 13:03:02 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Well done Jack Straw, its about time a member of this government spoke up for the majority of this Country. If Jack Straw was deaf and dumb how would he lip read if someone was covering their mouth? How would the police run an ID Parade if someone covered their face? Would we get the same consideration if we wore THE CROSS OF CHRIST-No we'd get our throat cut in a muslim country. The muslims are playing into the hands of the NF I do not support the Labour Party but the LIB DEMS, but not on this.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Sunil on Fri Oct 06 13:02:20 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

This is a joke, it seems Muslims behave differently when talking to members of the Hindu community then the rest of the British community, because they generally at the moment they have a slightly upper hand and can use the "I am a Muslim" excuse.

I've never used the "I am a Hindu excuse!"

How would you like it if I started wearing a balaclava! yes youd feel threatened - enough said -its a disguise and its wrong.

commonsense.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by emma on Fri Oct 06 13:25:00 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I don't understand how people can come to this country, live and work here yet not appreciate the UK's norms and values. I find the veils insulting to our society as we have welcomed them into this country.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by nigel on Fri Oct 06 13:43:43 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

after reading many of these comments all i can say (which ive been saying for over 10 years)

ladies and gentlemen welcome to yugoslavia.
the time bomb is ticking.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by kumbas on Fri Oct 06 13:43:39 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

well done jack straw if they want to live here then the vails have to come off.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Tara on Fri Oct 06 13:42:44 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Hi there
I am originally from Iraq and now Muslims are forcing Christian women there to wear the hijab despite it being originally our country. Why when they come to a foreign country they don't want to dress like the rest here.

If they don't like it they should go back to their countries.
Hope they won't ask to cut my head off as they don't understand anything else except killing.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Tim on Fri Oct 06 13:46:01 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

If they wish to live here let me abibe by our standards not theirs. I am getting fed up and all my friends are about the Muslims if they dont like our rules then LEAVE!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Edward Local on Fri Oct 06 13:45:45 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

A perfectly logical suggestion!
THere's a double standard where motor-cyclists are asked to remove head gear when entering a bank/retail outlet, but Muslim women are treated differently.
And lets now stop there - lets see the end of some these groups talking erdu when we enter their shops.
THIS IS THE ENGLAND, BUT WE'RE BECOMING EMBARASSED TO SAY IT IS!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Trevor on Fri Oct 06 13:44:20 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Jack Straw is absolutley spot on, its about time someone said something.
I personaly dont think that there is a any respect from Muslims as regards British Culture and beliefs. Whenever i've visited other countries i've respected theirs.
As regards the Muslim headwear, I find it offensive and racist, just like they find the English national flag offensive to them.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by James_4_free on Fri Oct 06 14:47:43 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I would feel more comfortable if Straw covered his face.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by perfectSheilawheeler on Fri Oct 06 16:28:48 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

In response to Aisha Al-Shamha, London, I am sorry but there are certain laws that the majority of UK citizens have to comply with, but Muslim women seem exempt from to the detriment potentially of the rest of us. Muslim countries force Western women to cover up and therefore Muslim should respect the law of our land.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by malcolm thomas on Fri Oct 06 18:18:50 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Who are these idiots that say that veils must be worn by Muslim women according to Islamic law?

What utter rubbish.

The MAJORITY of muslim woman worldwide DO NOT wear the veil so by making their idiotic comments they are inferring that the MAJORITY of Muslim women worldwide are breaking Islamic law.

What utter rubbish.

True Muslim women will not be offended if asked to remove their veil and Jack Straw is quite correct with his requests.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Peter Teague on Fri Oct 06 18:17:53 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

If the Queen came in to see Jack with a veil would he ask her to lift it. No, its all a question of status. Would he also ask moslem women to lift their skirts? Its their choice which parts of their body they wish to cover; requesting they present themselves to Jack in a manner he likes, is highly arrogant and even worse for community relations than covering ones face.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by George Rogers on Fri Oct 06 19:32:26 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

We expect to be able to see who we are talking to. Therefore, if you wish to live in this country, accept our practices.
When our dignatories visit other countries they respect their customs, so why do others expect to be treated differently.
If you don't like it go back to your own country.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Religionisapaininthebutt on Fri Oct 06 19:31:29 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Faisal, Reading. If what you say is the case then perhaps you should inform your other brothers and sisters on this site who say that the veil is NOT obligatory! Who is right, you or them? Or is the Koran so ambiguous that you make it up as you go along?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Simon Phillips on Fri Oct 06 19:31:03 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Jack Shaw is 100% correct on this issue - and credit to him for raising the subject. If Muslim woemn don't like that, they don't have to stay in the UK.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Tony_US on Fri Oct 06 22:25:10 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Not enough; this is terribly narrow minded of Jack Strow. We should all maximize the opportunity for total communication; we should all disrobe as we communicate. I insist.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by politeGUNNERM on Fri Oct 06 22:49:56 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I was in the gulf war in 1991 and when we were in there country we had to abide by there rules regardless of weather we liked them or not we had no say ie no alcohol which we had to put up with for 7 months . another thing in this country you cannot go into a shop with a crash helmet on you will not be served, but this people can go around with there faces covered up . at the end of the day this is our country a they should abide by the rules that this country sets not try to modify them

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by maxine davies on Fri Oct 06 22:49:31 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I have listened to the debate all day and I am incensed by the arrogance of the muslim women defending their wearing of the veil. It is so ridiculous it could be April Fool's day! One woman was traumatised by having her veil removed! This is Britain for God's sake, drop the dogma and get a sense of humour and perspective.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Dan on Fri Oct 06 22:50:25 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

On a Friday evening, around Britain, how many veiled women are arrested for being drunk and disorderly? And how many "normal" women are being arrested for the same reason?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by southminstero on Sun Oct 08 11:22:59 UTC 2006. 1 recommendations.

Lets all start carrying a balaclava in our pockets. When ever you have to interact with a muslim for example in a shop simply place the balaclava over your head while you have to communicate with them. Remove it after, see how they feel...

I think this should end the debate.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Tony Harrington on Sun Oct 08 11:22:59 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Prescott should wear a veil, then we wouldn't have to see those 'lying eyes'

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by John Ward on Sun Oct 08 11:36:44 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

My family and I lived and worked in the Middle East for ten years. We had to abide by the laws and cultures of the countries that we lived in. So to should imigrants to the UK. I have no problem with people keeping their beliefs, culture and religion. However, they should integrate with British society, not the other way round. We are a democratic country. If people do not like our laws then they should leave and find a country that bests suits the way they think.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Dr Khan, Izhar on Sun Oct 08 12:46:30 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Perhaps muslim men and women should start baring there bottoms in town centres on saturday nights and lift their tops up in public. Then vomit on the pavements. Would we then be well and properly integrated for Mr Straw and the Daily Express's pleasure?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Asma on Sun Oct 08 16:11:48 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

The problem is not muslim women wearing veils, the problem is with non-muslims who fear what they know not. The only reason anyone would back Jacky boys' comments is because they dont have a clue about Islam and they are ignorant and dont want to know or find out about it, or why the niqab is worn.

I was born and bred in this country and it is my choice to wear the niqab and it is not a sign of oppression. Everyone should respect each other regardless of dress.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Voice Of Reason on Wed Oct 11 10:14:23 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Well done Jack - but why stop there? Surely it's time to make all these daft minorities conform to the majority: ban Sikh turbans, Hindu saris, Jewish skullcaps, dreadlocks, and black skin.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Fiza on Fri Oct 13 15:48:13 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

We are being asked to remove our veils to integrate with the British soceity, next we'll be asked to take our clothes off and wear mini skirts and according to some people that will be okay because Jack Straw or some one else will be asking us politely.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by miranda on Sat Oct 14 14:36:10 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

surely in a so called society where equality is so important, we should have an equality in dress too. Veils just create a barrier and make people feel intimidated

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Tony Tickner on Sat Oct 14 12:54:15 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Yes I believe that muslims wearing the veil does cause the gap between all people of different nationalities, aif these people come here to better themselves or wish to leave thier country of origin then they must be prepared to abide by the laws of the country they are living in. We in England/United Kingdom have to abide by the laws of any country we visit and if we wanted to live there we have to knuckle down. how many christian churches do you see being built overseas? none!

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Mr Rhoads on Sat Oct 14 21:46:40 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Im not a against any reliegion, but If these people wish to live in england, and take jobs, and goverment hand outs when needs be, then they should abide by our wishes, weve allowed these people to over run this country, by building their places of worship, etc--but in certain areas, we the white british, are chased and beaten, in our own country, should we stray into their so called territory, If the roles were reversed in their country, we would not even have a say, so why have they:

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by yellowsandydog on Sat Oct 14 21:37:26 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

What puzzles about this story is that the support teacher must have worn her veil at her interview, why were no rules about when to wear it drawn up then?

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by cjashley on Sat Oct 14 21:36:19 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I welcome Jack Straws long over due lifting the veil of political correctness that has been covering the whole of the British media like a dark censorship that has blinded the whole country to the enormous pressures and problems that are building up due to the invasion of Britain by an unprecedented number of immigrants from all over the world.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by Paul on Sat Oct 14 21:08:07 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

Why has nobody pointed out that, judging by her TV interview, the woman is obviously not very bright? For that reason alone she shouldn't be teaching kids. The business with the veil is just an added extra.

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Would removing veils improve community relations?

Written by F Khan on Wed Oct 18 22:50:39 UTC 2006. 0 recommendations.

I agree with Martin Shaw's observation- But why have muslim women become so 'zealous'- It is through the insecurity caused by UK-US foreign policy and media-demonization of muslims and the age-old racist/colonial attitudes prevalant in the host community- 'If you don't like it leave the country- attitude- So arrogant! The veil-wearers are saying fu to this. The empire is dead and the world is shrinking-get used to it. This is a useful discussion and the veil is NOT compulsory in Islam.

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