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.

What would prevent a man or a woman pretending to be Muslim and hiding their identity for nefarious reasons?

As I said, France introduced a ban and I don't see any problems emerging there as a result. The ban has been in force for 15 years now too.

Helmets and balaclavas and the like should be banned in public also.

I don't care how they do it, and what ridiculously circumspect arguments are put forward against a ban, it can be done. Unless you all think France is racist and anti Muslim.

It's definitely a barrier to anyone with hearing impairment, as are the medical face masks.

So why are you also focusing on Muslim women - I assume they aren’t on mass running in and out of shops nicking stuff?

Where I live there are a lot of older people but if they wear masks it's usually under their noses as they did during covid. Rather defeats the object of wearing the mask.

A great deal of communication also happens with the face. My hearing isn’t the best and I find it hard to understand people if I can’t see their lips.

Make men wear shirts in public I hate seeing the big bellies and sweaty hairy chests, and the shorts with knobbly knees and skinny legs. And women with tight leggings and huge bums. A proper dress code in public places is what we need. And why does everyone wear black these days?

The wearing of the niqab is a personal choice - it’s not a religious requirement.
I’ve already said that exceptions can be made in terms of people’s health etc

I'm afraid I don't provide free comprehension lessons....😊

How would it be enforced?

Face covering has nothing to do with “dress codes” . It a way of making yourself anonymous in a public place- often with criminal intention.

Because there isn’t an answer that isn’t racist.

Wow. Let's just isolate all the hearing impaired people then.

See what Macron might say to that.

.....er...how do you get to that from what I said?

What sort of police state would this be, where we’re being told not to wear what we want? Slippery slope. Long fringes out, beards?

I cover my face now due to having had cancer and radiotherapy. You want to criminslise me?

Ever been to that remote and very cold place (it was snowing for a bit yesterday) in Scotland called Glasgow?

On that basis would you also ban beards and fringes?

I’m guessing snoods are banned too 🥲

Your reasons are ultimately flawed though. There is no widespread “barrier” as you suggest. There is no issue with “safety and security” where women wear the niqab. So why would a ban be necessary?

You can see the face, lips, cheeks, chin, ears and eyes with those.

Like any other law. 🤷‍♀️

We manage with the law on driving licences or traffic lights etc.

Definitely agree they should be banned but for protests/ demonstrations only.

You can rip my snood from my ice cold hands….

Don’t be so silly. The vast majority of Muslims do not cover their faces . Why imply that they do ?