To be Disturbed by this woman in a Burka? ......

[Gingefringe]

I saw a very strange event in Debenhams make-up counter this week-end which on reflection, I found very disturbing.
A woman in a full burka (including her eyes covered in thin veil) came up to the make-up counter with a man (presumably DH). The man then proceeded to ask about foundation for the woman and had a conversation with the sales assistant which rarely included the woman at all (apart from trying on a sample colour on her hand).
I felt so sorry for the poor woman - not only to be forced to wear this ridiculous veil but she wasn't allowed even to chose her own make-up!
I did give the man my best evil looks but he didn't seem to notice - perhaps because I was a woman!! I was too cowardly to say anything.

On the day that France bans the burka I wonder whether you would have said anything?

With respect I will repost the comment made by ScroobiousPip upthread as I think it sums up balanced position beautifully (you may have missed it).

"To those who say the burkha is about their personal freedom, freedom of choice in England has never been absolute. We have always balanced individual freedom of choice with societal rights, such as the principles of equality, and the rule of law. There are times when personal choice must give way to societal rights - the question is in what circumstances?

Ultimately, there is a tension between the right to religious freedom and the right to freedom from sex discrimination. And, as math has pointed out, there is also a tension between Sharia law and the basic principles of the rule of law in English law, namely i) everyone is equal before the law and subject to the ordinary law of the land (Sharia law treats men and women differently); ii) no one can be punished except for a distinct breach of the law of the land as paid down by Parliament and via the courts of the land (Sharia law provides a separate system of laws and punishments which are not approved by Parliament and are therefore not consistent with the sovereignty of Parliament, as well as being via a different court system); and iii) an unwritten constitution whereby all actions can be pursued via the law courts (the binding nature of Sharia arbitrations is concerning here, given that they may not be entered into by individuals without legal advice - usually arbitration is reserved for commercial parties who can afford legal advice).

Personally, I believe that the rule of law and freedom from sex discrimination are more important than religious freedom and so I would not support the right to wear a burkha, or the widespread availability of Sharia law."