AIBU to think face coverings in public should be banned?

[OpheliaWasntMad]

Should all types of face covering in public be banned? I think they should. Mainly I’m concerned that people in balaclavas and face coverings are shoplifting and stealing phones etc with impunity.
People with balaclavas on marches look threatening and sinister.
Women with niqabs create a barrier between themselves and others as it’s hard to form connections if you can’t see someone’s facial expressions.
I think all face covering should be banned. It contributes to a society that feels more unsafe and divided.

Hell of a shift you make there from male shoplifters and thieves wearing balaclavas to hide identity for criminal reasons to Muslim women wearing face coverings for religious reasons/modesty. How do you feel about married Jewish women wearing head coverings or wigs - religious reasons/modesty or security issue and preventing social cohesion?

So we are legally obligated to show our faces without even being asked to now? Why?

No Halloween costumes then, and no Santa in the streets? Where are you on face paints? Or wigs? Or full beards?

All of these things hide identity.

People who are up to no good are willing to break the law. So they're still going to cover their faces. It being illegal will be a hindrance only to innocent people who will feel obliged to follow the law.

I think it’s perfectly appropriate for people to be told they should not cover their face unless they have a medical reason.
You have an aggressive tone - “your brave New World …” Perhaps - if you live in a remote area of Scotland you are unaware of the challenges faced in densely populated urban areas filled with balaclava wearing louts

Primarily I suppose because it's not always cold out there and some people are immunocompromised, whereas religious garb is worn all the time in public places.

I disagree generally, because I would prefer to live in a country with as many freedoms as possible.

But I find the objections to sensible rules about having to show your face in some situations very contrived. Banks used to - probably still do - require that motorcycle helmets are removed by people entering. I’ve never come across an objection to that. Given the present out of control spate of shoplifting I’d have thought some extension of that would be justifiable.

This is absolutely absurd.

And what about people undergoing chemo or that are immunosuppressed and masking to protect themselves?

Or who react to cold weather with hives and swelling?

I think it's absurd. You would be banning the religious observance of some religions that don't meet your approval and just fuck off with that.

I totally agree,but what would happen if there was another pandemic? (I really hope not!) The government would be telling us to wear masks again!

They are though. Compared to the number of people who safely go about their daily life.

I’d happily create a barrier between myself and complete strangers. I don’t care if they need a connection. When women walk around my neighbourhood wearing a niqab, I don’t consider it at all unsafe and I’m quite capable of saying good morning to someone who’s face is covered.

Goady AF.

I have absolutely no objection to head coverings or wigs … why would I?
I have been very clear that this is about face covering- not hair covering

What a surprise - goady post about Muslims when we have local elections coming up…

That’s fine - good for you.

My doctor has me wear a mask in certain situations because it helps me avoid having life threatening allergic reactions. I hate wearing a mask. I have claustrophobia. I hate getting sick and don’t want to die even more.

DH is immune compromised. He frequently wears a mask in public so he doesn’t get sick. This is also at his doctor’s instruction.

we can’t ban face coverings. It would have huge repercussions for medically fragile people.

I was in Edinburgh at the weekend. The city was full of people covering their face. It really was freezing cold.

I can understand people wanting others to be visible in shops, schools etc but where do you draw the line? Medical face masks would be ok? For all conditions or just being cautious? I think it would be hard to police.

I see what you mean about balaclavas as they do look a bit scary but religious coverings don't bother me (probably because I know they're women which obviously highlights my own issues about men!)

OP probably just means thugs and Muslims. All other instances will be tacitly understood and allowed 😉

But you want to propose an outright ban on the basis that your view of the world is the only one?

Really? I think my post was perfectly reasonable.

I don’t live in a remote area. it’s cold all
over Scoltand rural and urban. We like to keep warm by wearing scarves.

would you ban us from keeping warm?

why are you avoiding my other questions too?

Yep. Apparently women in niqabs aren’t “safe and friendly? 🤦🏻‍♀️

But you talked about criminals hiding their identity. So a wig might be a reasonable thing for you to dislike for the same reason.

Hmmm…. It’s a mumsnet post for discussion- I am suggesting that public face covering is not a good thing and should be banned. I’ve given my reasons. I’ve never said my view of the world is the only correct one .

That doesn’t actually answer my question as to why cold/health is ok but religion is not?

🤣