Harpers comments on the Niqab

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Mar 14th 2015, 7:26 am

#91

Shard

me/moi

Joined: Nov 2012

Location: UK

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Re: Harpers comments on the Niqab

Quote:

Originally Posted by bats

If the argument really is about sexism and segregation then legislation against covering the face for the sitizenship ceremony is feeble. You mentioned equality in religions. Many discriminate against women vis segregation, dress rules, access to education, ritual bathing to cleanse after menstruation. So many little ways that are embeded in society.

If the concern is for the women and coercion a few laws won't change that. In one middle east country that banned face covering, i can't recall which, women who had never shown their face to strangers were deeply traumatised when forced to remove the veil. Some even killed themselves.

This act of Harper's is really just a way for him to get votes from middle Canada, he doesn't give a toss about women's rights.

I don't disagree with any of this. Certainly this particular issue of niqabs during the ceremony is a storm in a teacup.

I suppose where I am coming from as a staunch atheist is that we ought to be decreasing religious rights within society generally, not increasing them. I am appalled at the growth of faith schools for example. It all ends up segregating people, and some religions segregate their lot more than others.

Not a fan of Harper normally, so I do take on the widespread scepticism that some have suggested underlies his comments. Nevertheless, always happy when a politician speaks plainly against religion.

I hadn't heard the story about women be traumatised to the point of suicide by having to show their face. It demonstrates how mind-warping it all is.