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.

...but verbal communication happens through the mouth.

If you read the thread I linked to, the OP answers these questions.

But the OP is very concerned about balaclava wearers - 99% men I'd say!

Men do cover their faces

You’re being very rude. I assumed you were joking when you asked about the possibility of your child being arrested for covering his face. This is about context . A wild winter’s walk is not the same as a horde of teenagers in balaclavas in a shopping precinct . In busy public spaces faces should not be covered .

My “stupidity” as you rudely put it - is not actually that stupid …
Several countries have some legislation along these lines . Indeed there is already some legislation to deal with face coverings. I’m proposing it should be extended.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-bill-2025-factsheets/crime-and-policing-bill-public-order-factsheet#:~:text=Current%20legislation%20gives%20police%20the%20power%20to,for%20the%20purpose%20of%20concealing%20their%20identity.

Repression of women?
And you get to speak for muslim women do you?

Yep
This is the colonial mindset.
How very backwards of you

Do you get to speak for Muslim women?
Muslim women will have different views on this like all the rest of us

@OpheliaWasntMad "I DO NOT think niquab wearers are criminal- but I do think there is a chance they are victims of oppression. Obscuring your face makes you anonymous. I don’t think that’s a good thing."

Agree OP. Covering your face and only having your eyes visible (and sometimes not even those) is setting a barrier. The oppression doesn't just come from men either. It also comes from mothers who see the niqab or burqa as a status symbol or the lack thereof as a matter of extreme cultural shame.

It's a group of men in government stopping a group of men ("cultural reasons" / "religion") from controlling women. What's the greater evil?

You still haven't answered my question, will I get hauled away in a police car for wearing my scarf over my nose or wearing my pink fluffy balaclava hat on the school run mid winter? I mean there are over 500+ parents on a small playground, does that count as a busy public space?

Or would the law only be in place during the summer? Or only after dark? Or only in groups over 4? Or only for Muslim women and teen boys? I'm genuinely interested in the parameters of this proposed ban

Clearly a balaclava is not a niqab

I'm reminded of Reform's Sara Pochin's first question at PMQs wherein she asked Starmer when he was going to ban the burqa

Like it was a pressing issue in Runcorn!

What’s the racist bit?

You are absolutely wrong about face masks not being protective. I can link lots of studies but this one gives a good overview. You need to inform yourself on this matter before making this argument. It doesn't sound like you have kept up to date with research around this.
What you are suggesting is discriminatory against disabled and clinically vulnerable people.
https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/news/comprehensive-review-confirms-masks-reduce-covid-19-transmission

The suggestion that women who identify as muslim are less capable of choosing their own clothing than women who identify as christian or Jewish.
Apprently all Muslim women who chose to vail are forced to by their husbands and that is oppression but the goverment outlawing women's clothing choices is somehow less oppressive

I completely accept that my proposal needs to be worked through 🤣.
But I’m quite sure you and your child will be ok .

If you child is a bit older and is mugged by some balaclavas wearing teenagers - who he cannot identify because of the face covering- you might feel a bit differently

You misrepresented me here.
At no point did I ever say “all Muslim women “
And at no point did I compare Muslim women to Christian or Jewish women.
Oppression of women can happen in all communities. Niquabs make it easier for controlling men to isolate women.

I'm quite sure I wont ever think the goverment getting to decide what clothes I, or any other adult gets wear would be appropriate. The UK is a country of freedom and if I want to wear a crop top in the summer and a balaclava fluffy hat in winter I should be allowed.
And if my neighbour wants to wear a face covering all year round i'm all for it. She is an adult and has my full support in making her own style choices.
We don't need the goverment telling us how to dress.

Fair enough.

From their size, yes, they were schoolgirl age in niqab. Should I guess that you don't live in London because hijabs and sometims niqab isn't unusual depending on the borough you're in?

"Women who identify as muslim"

is this the new men who identify as women?

We had 14-16 year olds in my office for work experience (London). Two were wearing niqab
. How is that ok?

What part of a face covering is not a head covering are you having difficulty understanding? Do you need a picture to help?

"is this the new men who identify as women?" 😂

I think people should be allowed to wear a face covering at a demo. Somebody protesting may have perfectly legitimate reasons for wanting to hide their identity.