Ban the Burkha facebook campaign

[Rivercam]

I have just looked at my facebook page and someone has posted a 'Ban the Burkha campaign from Britain First. I've never heard of these before. I felt unnerved by it (As I do with any apparent far-right, or even semi-far right organisations).

(I don't have any problems with burkhas so long as the women wearing them are happy to wear them, and not forced to do so).

That's fine - I don't expect you to agree.

What other forms of religious garments cover women and girls from head to foot, bringing about severe retribution for failure to wear them and shut them off from society whilst covering their mouths and all facial features?

Not all women who wear the burka are punished if they don't.
I think this may be an agree to disagree but we all agree that support needs to be in place for those who need help!

No, they may not be physically punished - although on a worldwide level many, many women are - but it is a symbol of the oppressive and extreme end of Islam which does not believe in progressing equality for women, and which can place tremendous pressure on women to conform to that norm. Banning the burkha through legislation is one way that the state can start to bring about change.

But yes, this is one of those threads with entrenched views on either side.

Having this view is not necessarily right or semi far right, surely it is a-political, and attributing the view solely to those groups is attempting to dis credit the view and make it look racist

I don't think it's a two-sided issue, TBH- although the racists wish to make it one.

I abhor the burkha, and disagree with covering and the concept of dressing modestly. I am a staunch athiest and agree with almost all of your points, SirChenjin; but my disagreeing with the burkha does not mean I support a ban. The idea that the government could tell me what I can and can't wear is appalling.

Well, again I disagree. The burkha is an abhorrent garment, designed to segregate and oppress women - it has no place whatsoever in the 21st century. The state should, on occasion when required, intervene to bring about positive change through legislation - as it has over the centuries.

Can someone please explain to me what the point of the burqa is ? No, I am not trying to make a point. I really don't know so until I do I can't make a call on it. I am white, rural, middle class and never see anyone in a burqa unless on a very rare trip to London. It's a genuine question to anyone who wears one. Why do you ?

That's my question too! I'd love to hear why Muslim women would voluntarily wear it!