People keep saying the burka is a religious garment. I don't believe it is. It is not even mentioned in the Quran. The word hijab is mentioned (meaning veil) but not in any way as to describe a mulsim womans dress code.
The covering up of women is discussed and has been translated to mean a thousand different things.
As a practical item it is ancient. Saudi's used to wear them in sand storms.
In other words a burka is about as religious as a balaclava.
It is not always forced upon women. Some women make the choice. No doubt though it is often used as a form of oppression. It has no religious significance. It is a tool for men to prevent other men seeing how beautiful their woman is (someone get me a bucket)
Saying that, I don't think it is anyone else's right to prevent it's use. *Not unless absolutely necessary. I would like to hear the voices of the women who wear it. Sadly that voice is not very loud.
In the UK you do very much have to 'face the court'. Of course no one can 'make you' speak. You will however have to go to your trial and you will stand in the dock and face judgement. You may see this as unfair or unjust. It maybe so. However you are not persecuting anyone on religious grounds by asking them to remove their veil. You are not asking of her any more or less than anyone else in that situation. A person would not be permitted to sit through their trial in a Balaclava.
When in Rome don't you have to do as the Roman's?
Also, I reckon a burka could interfere with doctor/patient trust.
BTW Lestat I have not heard that kind of talk in years. It is like an Alf Garnett script. Why the hatred and why generalise people so much? It is like saying all scousers are thieves!
