The niqab, for some, has become an antiestablishment symbol around which one can rally and relish in the opportunities for confrontation that it provides.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I write as someone who has no more time for repressive Islam than he does for repressive Christianity or Judaism, but at least look at the face in the hijab - and try to imagine the one beneath the niqab - before you depersonalise its wearer.
For the jihadists, Muslim women who embrace Western mores, and wear tight jeans or mini skirts, are hated symbols of corruption that need to be eradicated. For the ideological mentors of Breivik, a similar disturbance comes from the burqa, which is banned in France and Belgium, partly thanks to their efforts.
The elimination of the barbaric terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is good news for the world.
To the Muslim woman, the hijab provides a sense of empowerment. It is a personal decision to dress modestly according to the command of a genderless Creator; to assert pride in self, and embrace one's faith openly, with independence and courageous conviction.
I do feel visceral revulsion at the burka because for me it is a symbol of the oppression of women.
The hijab, or sikh turban, or Jewish skullcap are all explicit symbols, but they do not represent a threat or affront to others, and have no bearing on the competence, skills and intelligence of a person.
As far as Zarqawi is concerned, there is a network of extremists; it's not just Zarqawi.
Al-Qa'ida is the antithesis of the peace, tolerance and humanity that is at the heart of Islam.
Let me make this clear: it is our duty to adopt a policy barring the wearing of niqabs in these public buildings.
It's fun being in Islamic countries, to know there's only one religion. There's order. You wear a burqa. There's no choice. People are happy with that.