Sarkozy wants to ban the Burka!

I saw the announcement that Sarkozy wants to ban the Burka. Not sure why the shortarse wants to ban the burka when in times of stress he could hide under someone else's, but perhaps he hasn't thought it through properly yet. His advisers will help him out there.

It got me thinking though. Did I think banning the burka was a good idea. On balance I am opposed to government dictating how we should live our lives and this seems like yet another instance where some government wants to do exactly that. It's not my country but Brown is desperate for a policy that might win back public affection, so who knows, if it gets passed in France it might be proposed here.

I have heard the argument that it treats women unfairly and I am 100% in agreement that it does. I also read that many women who wear the burka choose to do so. There is an argument they might be forced to choose to do so and that I think is unplesant. I then read a letter stating that Westerners did not understand because wearing the burka empowered women to go out in public which they would not otherwise be able to do. Sounds like an argument for not banning the burka then. Then I realised the whole 'choice' story was a big con job. Women can choose to wear the burka or stay at home and not go out in public. I can see why so many 'choose' to wear the burka then. It is the lesser of two evils. Disguting is the most polite word I can find for that choice.

Do I think we should ban the burka on the back of that? No. Muslim women and men should realise that this is a repressive thing and make the choice to change on their own. We should not be forcing them to do so.

Should the burka be allowed in the workplace? This is a different story. Where communication is vital I believe the burka has no place at all and therefore should not be permitted in most workplaces. If muslim women wear a burka when going out shopping and are easily misunderstood as a result then that is another issue and we should be no harder on them than we would on any other disabled person, becuase that is what their 'choice' is making them. I still think banning the burka is a bad idea.

I hope Muslims eventually see sense about this. I am not holding my breath while I wait.