Belgium considers ban on Islamic face coverings

[Liberal_in_LA]

CNN) -- The latest round in the battle of the burqa kicks off Thursday in Belgium, which could become the first country in Europe to ban face coverings worn by observant Muslim women.

Lawmakers are considering a ban in all public places on niqabs, veils that cover the face, as well as burqas, which cover the face and everything else from head to toe.

They're motivated both by security and morality, they say.

"We think all people in public places must show their face," says Denis Ducarme. And, he says, "We must defend our values in the question of the freedom and the dignity of the woman."

His liberal Reformist Movement drafted the legislation, and claims broad cross-party support.

Ducarme denies that Islam requires women to wear burqas or niqabs.

"The majority of Muslims in Belgium and Europe don't accept the burqa, don't accept the niqab. It's only 10 percent who are radical," he says, blaming trends from Pakistan and Afghanistan for encouraging facial covering.

And he rejects the suggestion that the proposed ban smacks of intolerance, saying it is the burqa -- and the Islamist movement -- that are truly intolerant and dangerous.

He estimates that 300 to 400 women in the country wear the niqab or the burqa.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/04/21/belgium.burqa.ban/index.html?hpt=T2

[NeedleCast]

1. Don't like it

People should be free to practice their religion. This will, however, probably be a politically popular decision.

[Bobbieo]

2. In these trying times for EVERYONE - Head scarves, Yes - Face veils, - No

[RB TexLa]

3. Why? Just so you can see other people's faces?

[Bobbieo]

5. It helps!!!!!

[RB TexLa]

6. What does it help you do?

[Bobbieo]

7. My bank was robbed 2 days ago - EOM111

[HipChick]

4. several of these types of incidents going on here...

we just dont hear about them..grey line..bank policy..but

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030902387.html

[demosincebirth]

8. Hooray for Belgium!

[caty]

9. Some burqas

block the woman's side vision. We have had several women who were hit by cars because of this in my area (Dearborn, Mi.). It's a safety issue in several ways. The head coverings are fine and these women can wear lose fitting modest clothing without wearing the total burqa.

[NNN0LHI]

10. How about big honking beards? Those still OK?