Canadian Muslim group calls for burka ban

[Whisper]

OTTAWA — A Muslim group on Thursday called for a ban on the wearing of burkas in public in Canada, saying it "marginalizes women."

"The burka has absolutely no place in Canada," said Farzana Hassan of the Muslim Canadian Congress.

"In Canada we recognize the equality of men and women. We want to recognize gender equality as an absolute. The burka marginalizes women."
Many Muslim women in this country are being forced to wear the loose robe and veil by their husbands and family, setting them apart from other Canadian women who are living freely, she claimed.

Hassan acknowledged the Koran preaches modesty, but "it doesn?t have to be that you have to cover your face or you have to wear a virtual tent wherever you go. This is not a requirement of Islam or the Koran."

Hassan blamed extremist Muslims for its rising popularity in Canada. "To counter this trend, we are asking for a ban on the burka," she said.

The call follows an edict by a top Muslim authority in Egypt calling for a ban on the burka.

Several European countries, including France, Italy and Denmark, have also called for burka bans in recent years.

Last year, an Ontario judge ruled that a woman testifying against her alleged rapist does not have the right based on religious beliefs to wear a veil in court. The decision is being appealed.

In 2007, a controversy also erupted over a Quebec election official's decree to Muslim women to remove their veil at the ballot box so that their identity could be verified.

Hassan was not able to say exactly how many women in Canada wear the burka, but said "it is on the rise" in Toronto and Montreal.
According to a 2006 census, there are some 800,000 Muslims living in Canada.

The Muslim Canadian Congress, which has some 300 members, describes itself as "providing a voice to Muslims who are not represented by existing organizations ... that are either sectarian or ethnocentric, largely authoritarian, and influenced by a fear of modernity and an aversion to joy."

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I was wandering Mayfair mall in Victoria BC with a friend yesterday and we saw two Muslim wives trailing behind there husbands completely covered you could hardly see their eyes
and the asshole husbands were strutting their stuff
I don't care if it makes me racist sometimes racism is justified we didn't let the nazi's practice there cultural beliefs now did we
I'm not pleased about male Muslim students being able to carry "ceremonial" daggers around in schools either
or all these "honor killings" happening on Canadian soil

[The Joker]

It is possible the women want to wear the burkas. If they don't want to, they shouldn't have to. Simple as that.

[Whisper]

they shouldn't be allowed period
because how exactly could you tell if she wanted to wear it or if she was being forced?
it would be no different then a battered wife to scared to tell the cops there's a problem

Its a symbol of oppression and inequality
it has no place here

[Sage]

A prime example of how some cultures are, indeed, not equal. And good on those Canadians. We need more progressive muslims to try and get rid of the terrorist stereotype.

[mrmcdonaldduck]

It is possible the women want to wear the burkas. If they don't want to, they shouldn't have to. Simple as that.

A prime example of how some cultures are, indeed, not equal. And good on those Canadians. We need more progressive muslims to try and get rid of the terrorist stereotype.

those are my opinions exactly.

[ShatteredWings]

But it's their religion. Some people honestly beleive that's what they need to do to be modest.

Are we going to take it another step and say that everyone has to wear low cut shirts, because it's keeping us too "covered", even though many people's religous belifes and morals tell them that they shouldn't be portraying themselves in a sexual manner.

I think this ban is stupid.

[Atonement]

Because no one has pointed it out, just for a little taste of real discussion here:

Women wear burqas not to degrade women. In the Islamic faith, it is common practice that women wear these to prevent lusting. Its not anything to do with the women can't be trusted or are tons lesser (in this part of the customs) but because the men can't be trusted to not lust for them.

[Strength]

Shouldn't be doing it in the first place. Feel free to do it in the other Muslim countries though!:cool:

[Sage]

;666206']But it's their religion. Some people honestly beleive that's what they need to do to be modest.

That doesn't mean it isn't stupid and degrading.

;666206']Are we going to take it another step and say that everyone has to wear low cut shirts, because it's keeping us too "covered", even though many people's religous belifes and morals tell them that they shouldn't be portraying themselves in a sexual manner.

I think this ban is stupid.

Plenty of people wear low-cut skirts for non-religious reasons.


Women wear burqas not to degrade women. In the Islamic faith, it is common practice that women wear these to prevent lusting. Its not anything to do with the women can't be trusted or are tons lesser (in this part of the customs) but because the men can't be trusted to not lust for them.

So women have to cover themselves up because men are horndogs? That's the sort of culture we want seeping into our society? No thanks.

[The Joker]

they shouldn't be allowed period
because how exactly could you tell if she wanted to wear it or if she was being forced?
it would be no different then a battered wife to scared to tell the cops there's a problem

Its a symbol of oppression and inequality
it has no place here

OK, I see your point. You're right.

[Whisper]

;666206']But it's their religion. Some people honestly beleive that's what they need to do to be modest.

Are we going to take it another step and say that everyone has to wear low cut shirts, because it's keeping us too "covered", even though many people's religous belifes and morals tell them that they shouldn't be portraying themselves in a sexual manner.

I think this ban is stupid.

No it isn't
when we go to the middle east we follow thier customs or they kill us
well if they want to stay here then guess what women have equal rights
and its NOT part of their religion

Hassan acknowledged the Koran preaches modesty, but "it doesn?t have to be that you have to cover your face or you have to wear a virtual tent wherever you go. This is not a requirement of Islam or the Koran."

[ShatteredWings]

Plenty of people wear low-cut skirts for non-religious reasons.
Not what I meant.
I was making the comparison that women would be forced to wear 'em

i think immodesty is just as degrading as over modesty...

So women have to cover themselves up because men are horndogs? That's the sort of culture we want seeping into our society? No thanks.
Well.... yes?

I'm rarely leaving the house without everything covered...in looser clothes.

I'm not religious, i just don't like people oggling me.

if that's what it takes for you to be comfertable, then WHY should it be banned?


I'm really shocked that some idiot is trying to make laws to ban CLOTHES. of all things they could be working on...
it's clothing.
what next, are we banning long sleeve shirts?

[Sapphire]

Gwyn, you are missing the point.
These women wear the burqa based on a very stringent, sexist interpretation of a religious text. The text speaks about dressing modestly but nowhere does it say that they have to be completely covered up.
It is used as a weapon against women as in many countries they are under the threat of violence and sometimes even death for not wearing it.

Also, think about the importance of non-verbal communication. Facial expressions are a vital part of our non-verbal communications with each other and the burqa actually prevents this form of communication.
Men have worn burqas to escape law enforcement agencies too.
How can something that prevents a vital part of communication and hinders law enforcement agencies have a place in society?

Comparing the banning of a burqa to the banning of long sleeved tops is like comparing chalk and cheese.

[ShatteredWings]

And you're missing the point that it's clothing. you can't ban a freaking garment.

also, women have the right to equal rights. we have the right to vote, and make decisions for ourselves. It's not forced upon us.

it's used as a weapon in other countries, where the government is majorly fucked up. in this part of the world there's a choice. no one has to wear it
by banning it you're actually taking away the choice. =|

then again...
you're arguing with the person who's been told by mutiple people (including parents and other adults) that my modesty standards are "far too high for a girl your age". so what do i know eh?

[AllThatIsLeft]

You know that whole Rights thing? bullshit.
Not too long ago a girl here was killed by her father because she didn't want to wear the burka. Now tell me where are HER rights.

I am sick of the Canadian government letting this shit slide, they changed the Police uniform because Sikhs refused to take that thing off off their heads.

anyways I can live with that...

But it is personally degrading when I see a woman walking behind the husband, head down, completely covered up... I dont care if they cover up from neck to toe.
But covering up their faces is just way too much.
I hope the Burka is banned. and If they frigging complain someone can tell them to go back their country. They don't have to live here, if they are so inclined on their beliefs and degrading habits, they can very well do it on their own land.

[ShatteredWings]

Not too long ago a girl here was killed by her father because she didn't want to wear the burka. Now tell me where are HER rights.


Someone who's abusive isn't going to be stopped by laws...
The women who married the men who forse their wives and daughters to wear it are now just going to keep them in the house their whole lives.
Sorry, but I don't see that as helping anything.

[Sapphire]

;668039']And you're missing the point that it's clothing. you can't ban a freaking garment.

also, women have the right to equal rights. we have the right to vote, and make decisions for ourselves. It's not forced upon us.

it's used as a weapon in other countries, where the government is majorly fucked up. in this part of the world there's a choice. no one has to wear it
by banning it you're actually taking away the choice. =|

then again...
you're arguing with the person who's been told by mutiple people (including parents and other adults) that my modesty standards are "far too high for a girl your age". so what do i know eh?
Can you not see the major threat to security that the burqa can pose (and has posed)? When men use them to hide their identity from law enforcement agencies when planning, executing and fleeing the scene of terrible crimes, something needs to be done.

You are going on about women's equal rights and yet you can't see the sexist nature of the burqa. I don't understand how that can be.

Choosing to dress modestly (and regardless of ones sex) is one thing. But to be told to completely cover because you are a woman and men cannot be trusted to exercise self restraint and common courtesy is a whole different kettle of fish. This way of thinking is exactly what we should all be trying to combat.

Men are very capable of restraining themselves when faced with a beautiful and modestly dressed woman. (They are capable of restraining themselves when faced with a beautiful woman who is scantily clad as well but that isn't what we are discussing)

So why should a burqa which symbolises women's inferiority and prevents vital methods of communication be allowed in a Western country where men and women are equal and non-verbal communication is very important?

[greg95]

;666206']But it's their religion. Some people honestly beleive that's what they need to do to be modest.

no, this is only an interpretation by a bunch of extremists, who try to enforce their ideas of 1500 years ago. being muslim myself, i can say the Koran does not ask for women to cover they're face


Men are very capable of restraining themselves when faced with a beautiful and modestly dressed woman.
I agree with that : if women have to cover their face for the sole goal to not be a temptation for other men, then why men shouldn't have to cover their face too, to not be a temptation for other women ??