Straw asks Muslims to remove veil

Iagree with Jack Straw. It is very disturbing to have peopel walking ourstreets with their heads fully covered. Jack Straw is only saying whateveryone else thinks.

Ithink it is wrong to ask a Muslim woman to remove her veil, after allBritain is a Muslim country and we British should not be upsettingthese people.

Iagree with the comments and believe it is common sense. If we live orvisit another country we have to abide by their rules, such as coveringshoulders or legs in church. Certain shops have also already introducedrules banning hoodies or crash helmets as they hide the face, so howcan these comments be racist? Communities need to integrate and tounderstand that some give and take is needed.

Welldone Jack straw, veiling is a matter of choice. What would happen if hewas deaf and had to lip read then they would have to remove theirveils. If they dont like it then leave....

Inoticed a comment on here that said that British People VISITING aMuslim country would'nt wear a head scarf and that is because they areonly VISITING and not living in the Muslim country, these women whowear these facecovering veils are living in the UK therefore I believethey should remove them, show their faces and show respect the ourChristian Religion as we always have to show respect to theirs or weare known as being racist!

Youonly have to read some of these posts to see the depth of resentmentand hatred toward muslims and Islam, I am so fed up with people who arein positions of power such as Jack Straw making comments degradingIslam and muslims, even the Pope for goodness sake! why can't we liveand let live? what is the harm of a woman covering herself if that iswhat she wants to do? When will we stop Demonising Islam? Just becausea few evil people choose to hijack Islam to carry out evil acts, Weshouldn't put the blame on all the muslim community, that is wrong.When we was being bombed by the IRA we didn't go around demonising allcatholosism (cathlics) People who are in positions of power should betrying to make the world a more peaceful place for our futuregenerations not making our communities more divided. And to the obviousracist people who have left negative posts on this site " kindnesscosts nothing" judge as you would like to be judged.

Ican't believe that an issue like this is being 'debated', Jack Strawmade a request if the muslim women had a problem with him asking thenthey wouldn't have removed their veils, this country has become far toopolitically correct, I understand that there are different faithswithin our communities but what people fail to remember is that ourcountry is fundamentally based on christianity but we have to pander toall and sundry so as not to offend, don't get me wrong I am not racistor islamaphobic but when the threat to your country comes from acertain faith you are right to be worried and question certain thingswithin that faith, maybe if the british public were more assured thatif there were any fundamentalists being harboured within the muslimcommunity that would be exposed then many more would be tolerant ofcertain aspects of their faith, until british muslims act as britishyou will continue to have misunderstanding and intolerance, aside fromthe fact that to just see a pair of eyes staring at you is particularlyspooky and as for those who say that the westerners would not dressappropriately if in an islamic country, you have to dress modestlyotherwise there are places you cannot go and I'm sure the majoritywould not go out in vests and mini skirts, some of us do have moralsand compassion

Ithink Jack Straw was wrong and I think his demands are needlesslyoffensive and serve no purpose other than to encourage anti muslimfeelings from those who do not understand other peoples customs. I amnot muslim but I do feel he is wrong. I also think that you overmoderate postings on this section of Sky.com in order to show thereplies that you want to discuss which limits the appearance of britishopinions. Touch of the Jack Straws?

Last time I checked, Scotsmen meeting government ministers were not required to leave the kilt at home.

Iam a proud British Muslim and I agree with Mr Straw with regards to theVeil which is optional, as a Muslim I myself sometimes feel intimidatedwhen I see a group of Muslim women wearing the full Veil, if a white ora black person was to enter a Muslim country they would adapt to theMuslim way of life in order to fit in with the local people and theyway of life so why should it be any different for Muslims who live inEngland, there were fully aware of England's western view's andpolicy's before there made England there home so why come here and trychange that, if you are not comfortable or you feel that this countryis too western for you then may be you should consider moving to a moreIslamic country.

As for the comment posted by: umer-walsall
"I personally believe that jack straw should watch what he says....if amuslim women wants to veil herself then let her be...she is causing noharm to anyone whereas the majority of rape cases you see the female isether dressed unappropriately or is drunk out of her face..whereasmuslim women have modesty...and barbara how can a women be modest whenshe is dressed to catch the attenton of the oppostite sex...please ipersonally find mini skirts insulting...but then thats my opnion"
Posted by: umer-walsall 6 Oct 2006 06:04:58
Obviously she/he has misunderstood the whole concept of what Jack Strawhas said he did not ask for a Muslim women or any women at that to gonaked or wear a mini skirt or to get drunk, its narrow mindeduneducated people like this who take everything the wrong way and giveIslam a bad name for coming out with such a inappropriate stupidcomment (above) you CAN be fully dresses and still be raped a rapistdoes not look at what your wearing or how easy it will be for him toremove you clothing's you idiot.

Security level are at such high theses days I am shocked this wasnot mentioned long time ago, if a person can not wear a Hoodie or aBaseball Cap when entering a building then why should it be anydifferent for a Muslim women wearing the veil. Religion comes fromwithin your heart not a fashion trend as that it what it appears to be.

If women dont have to take their veils off, can I now go into a mosque and leave my shoes on?

Thought not!

Idont feel that Jack Straw's requests have anything to do with notundertanding the muslim faith, i believe that it is a perfectlyrespectful request, its not like he is demaning Muslim women removetheir veils before he see's them is it? Things are becoming ever moreridiculous, if i was to visit a Greek Monestry i would be asked tocover up like wise i would be asked to remove my shoes if i entered aMosque, i have no problem with this, i feel its about time peoplestopped worrying so much about trivial issues and started dealing withthe pressing ones. If people in this country keep concerning themselveswith stupid issues like this then we may as well kiss goodbye to a"British" way of life, There is a huge push at the moment to integratefaiths and societies with these kind of tit for tat arguments we mayaswell forget it and watch the segregation grow!

Ifeel Mr Straw is out of order to ask Muslim ladies to remove theirveils when attending surgery. I find it rather off putting to talk topeople who are covering their faces but one must respect otherreligions, I feel that if a Muslim lady removed her veil then she wouldfeel undressed and Mr Straw has been extremely insensitive in hisasking. This has nothing to do with communication barriers as they havebeen well and truly lost with this latest attempt of bringing theBlackburn community closer. Although Mr Straw is entitled to hisviewpoint I believe he is 'selectively discriminating' which has alsobeen underlined by the Islamic Human Rights.

Ithink if you live in this country you should live the way we do. Wecannot go and move to another country and expect to practice our ownreligions and in some countries drink alcohol and many other things,you have to abide by and respect that culture but it seems coming toEngland you can do as you please, build your own church etc etc. If youdont like the way we live, leave and I might end up with more money inmy pay packet each month instead of paying to support other people.

Itotally agree with Mr. Straw's request. President Chirac was quiteright in 2004 when he banned all religious head-dress (yarmulkes,hijabs, turbans etc.) and overtly religious symbols in secularinstitutions.

We don't go around ripping crucifixes from Christians, so why should we be removing veils from Muslim women?

JackStraw only represents many of the potical leaders that have poorunderstanding of differences in cultures and faiths and how it affectspeoples lives.

It is important that Leaders of the communities withresponsibilities to promote racial and cultural harmony larn andrespect the differences in people that they have a responsibility for.It is a pity that Jack Straw has jumped from wearing of vail at aninterview to discussing how these creates disharmony in society.

I am a christian and know how much difference there is between Westernised Christians and the Easter Christians and religions.

People with knowledge and higher understanding will also show theirability to respect the differences in people in different ways andaccommodate for them. Sadley this is lacking in many of our leaders.

Unfortunately CRE also failed to show how the ethnic minoritiesvalue their cultures and heritage. We need to be sensitive to eachothers important differences to make them appreciate their own areasthat may need serious examination. They need to do it themselves asthey will once they feel valued as equal citizens.

James Kurian Yougiaveed,
Chair of VMDC

Havingread most of the comments I find myself agreeing with the right to weara veil if one wishes to do so. Again a lot of the comments seem to besaying its a another hinderance to intergration. Most of all thereseems to be the objections to the ever increasing demands of the Muslimcommunity over the British way of life. If children are starting towaer the veil in school what hope is there for intergration?

Thisis Britain. A country built on christianity and similar faiths with ahigh tolerance for others. Its a simple request and should be adheredto in order to respect the fact that this wonderful country welcomesother faiths. Would a muslim country be so willing and tolerant tochristian needs. The muslim community needs to become a britishcommunity and stop seperating themselves. I do not refer to me and myfriends as the white norfolk community!!

Thisis yet another instance of the Muslim community causing a rumpus aboutnothing. Jack Straw has made a request, NOTE: request, to ask the womenin question to remove their veil. In my opinion that is a reasonablerequest to make.

Are Muslims going to cause a stink about every insignificant thingthat is requested of them in our country?? Would they refuse to removethe veil when INSTRUCTED to do so when entering a bank? A matter whichis one of security and applies to everyone who has their face obscured.

It's time the Muslim community stopped moaning about everything andfurther distancing themselves from all other people. We've had thesituation with a Muslim Police Man refusing to carry out his duties,and now this.

I've said it before, Muslims are welcome in this country, providedthey don't try to change our way of life. They have to try andintegrate better, but if they wish to be steadfast in the ways of theirown culture, then go to a country with that culture, and let the restof us live in peace.

Ithink Jack Staw is making a valid point about these muslims womenremoving their veil when he is interviewing them. They are noexceptions to the rules and regulations of this country's legislation.I have worked in muslim countries and I have to obey their laws. Ifthey cant stand the heat they should get out of the kitchen. this is aCHRISTIAN country.

Thereare differences between some Muslims and the wider community. Thequestion is how do you address them. Jack Straw obviously has everyright to address this issue, but I hope it doesn't end up stirringracial tensions.

I do feel English people are getting fed-up with Muslims, and sadlyI think it's our fault (I am a Muslim, not practising). Parts of theMuslim community is very conservative and do not want to integrate. Imyself have very little in common with them so I can imagine Englishpeople really finding them odd. But that shouldn't be a reason to hatesomeone (some of the postings here are very negative).

Jack Straw wanted to address this point. He is certainly right to doso as the merits of the veil is disputed by most Muslims and is notstandard attire (its used mainly in Saudi Arabia).

Thishas got nothing to do with religion but more to do with manners. JackStraw is not asking Muslim women to remove their veil during the normalcourse of the day. He is asking them to remove it when they speak tohim in his surgery. How disconcerting it must be to have to speak to apair of eyes!
I really do not see what the problem is.

Idon't agree nor disagree i just have one question to ask people who saythat Muslims should respect the British way of life by removing theirheadscarfs. Would a British person visiting a Muslim country wear aheadscarf?? No i don't think they would, so therefore they would not berespecting the Muslim way, i think that these so called MP's shouldconcentrate on relevant issues that actually mean something and leavsmuslims alone if they want to wear a headscarf it is their choicenobody elses. and for people who are intimidated by women wearing aheascarf that is quite pathetic,i mean what is it to anybody ifsomebody is walking down the road wearing one, it certainly causes nobother to me it's just a normal person. I say that the world starts togrow up and stop teaching our children to treat people who dressdifferently like aliens.

I agree completely with e mail of gareth davies

I am british and left england over 30 years ago to live in PortugalI live and am completely integrated with the portuguese people theircustoms and their way of life.

The islamic community in engalnd complain that they are segregatedfrom the rest of the british people but they are the ones' that aredoing the segregating by not adopting the british way of life andintergrating with them.

their must be 1000's of foreign nationalities living and working inengalnd all adopting the british way of life so why should muslims beany different.

Jaque Chirac banned the veil in french schools . He said they must adopt the french way of life and customs.
Britain has become so sensitive and tolerant that instead of insistingon this one principal it has created a dormant volcano which willeventually errupt

Jack straw is absolutley right to want to see who he is speaking to

What do these women do when they go through customs control enteringand leaving the country do they lower their veils so officials can seewho they are .???

Iam a British Muslim and I cant believe people have a problem with sucha request. The veil is not obligatory so exactly why are they causing afuss. I make Mr Straw right hence the saying its nice to put a face toa name. whats the point in meeting someone when you can bareley seetheir eyes. It deafeats the purpose, I also think its good practice forsecurity reasons to see whom you are speaking with.

HiI ask do poeople feel that a physical barrier is important whencommunicating with people? Why because i do not feel that the MP DavidBlunkett and others before him in doing their duties needed to see aperson physically in order to do their work. I hope we are not tryingto create yet another barrier for disabled people i.e. assuming thatpeople with visual impairments are unable or cannot communicate simplybecause they cannot see a person whether fully clothed or completelynaked. Ask yourself does it really make a difference?

MrStraw is stating his opinions and is free to do so, being a Muslimmyself British born, I also have rights of freedom of speech. Mr Strawsays that Muslim women who wear a niqaab (veil) are keeping themselvesseperate from the wider british society? what does he have to say aboutthe Amish communtiy in Pennsylvania America? I never new about themuntil recently on the news they also keep themselves away from thewider community because they believe that the wider society iscorrupted and away from the teachings of the bible. No one has anythingto say about any other religion accept Islam why? I will tell you why,ever heard of the expression " Truth Hurts" Islam is the fastestgrowing religion world wide, people can not accept this, so you rathergive it a bad name to stop the growth from expanding even further. Theveil is something which us muslims are divided in ourselves, but Iwould like to say to all muslim women, why do you wear the hijaab? allwill reply because of modesty and keeps men away from being attractiveto the woman, but in my eyes the very first point of attraction is theface then the rest of the body, a man will first be attracted to awoman by her looks (face) not body that comes into the equation alittle later. So I feel that the veil is important in Islam. Mr Strawdoes not know what he is on about, you do not need to see a person'sface in order to make a conversation its just another way of attackingIslam a new excuse. The Veil has been around in England for quitesometime now why bring it up now? at that time there might have beenless women wearing the veil so no one said anything, but as more arestarting to wear it as Islam spreads Mr Straw feels threatend, myadvise is to live your life according to your religions and beliefs letpeople be the way they want to be and stop pointing fingers at acertain faith just because more people are accepting the truth.

Iam sick to the back teeth with all this - can you imagine if a femalewent to a Muslin Country dressed in a t-shirt and skirt, we wouldprobably get taken off and executed!! If they want to live in thiscountry then respect our way of living. The sooner we send these peopleback to where they belong the better, the England we knew and loved islong gone. Come on Britain lets stand up for oursleves!!

JackStraw, has every right to as for the veil to be removed. If a youngwhite man walked into Jack Straws or anybody elses office with his hoodup and a scarfe round his face, not only would he not be asked, hewould be told to remove these garments before addressing anybody.

For one of the very few times Jack (man of) Straw does the right thing and all hell breaks loose - again.
So the Veil is not obligatory in the Koran:-
Qur'an 33:59 "Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and all Muslimwomen to draw cloaks and veils all over their bodies (screeningthemselves completely except for one or two eyes to see the way). Thatwill be better."
Women in the Koran:-
http://www.prophetofdoom.net/quotes.aspx?g=405&i=4530

All this instance does is add another page to the book of incompatability of the Muslim in the Western World!

Thisis just more Government lead biasing of the general public againstMuslims, tapping into the primitive real feelings suppresed by our socalled PC positive image society.
Adolf Hitler used the same techniques against the Jews and the sick, remember your history.
Muslims have every right to practice their religion and dress code, as seiks and jews do.

Iam a british muslim female and have been born and brought up here inUK. I do not wear the veil myself and believe it is a personal choice.I think it's ok for Jack straw to ASK women to remove the veil but notbe forced to remove it. You can show modesty without wearing the veilas I myself know and in islam the veil is not obligatory- it's achoice. Just because I don't veil doesn't mean that I am less modest.
I do feel that wearing the veil can create a barrier and in the present delicate political climax it doesn't help integration.

AsI understand it, Jack Straw did not demand muslim women remove theirveil, just asked them. He's right, it's very difficult holding aconversation with someone whose face you can't see, a bit like talkingto the back of someone's head. How rude is that. I recall having myticket taken by a muslim lady in a middle eastern airport, and feelingquite disturbed by it at the time, not to mention confused. If somemuslim women wear them and some don't, what's the problem.

Iunderstand that muslim women wearing the veil do not remove the veil infront of men other than close family members and then only in the home.I think that Jack Straw should respect that point of view ..... howeverif a woman is veiled to the extent of the picture of the woman (couldbe a man?) in the picture currently showing on your news page then Ithink he has a point - perhaps a less, all enveloping version, shouldbe acceptable.

I don't really care. Aren't there more important things going on in the world? All stories like this seek to do is divide.

Iteach young female Muslim undergraduate students in the UAE. All mystudents have their heads covered, and several in each of my fourclasses are veiled - showing only their eyes. In my experience, talkingto all my students, the veil presents no problem in our ability tocommunicate.

All you have to see in a person's face is their eyes - they sayeverything that the voice omits, and they don't ever lie - well, not inmy experience teaching these pleasant folk.

I don't agree with Jack Straw's point - not on any grounds ofreligion, but on the entirely practical point that seeing a person'seyes and looking right into them as you talk is enough to communicatewith them.

Iagree with Jack Straw.As a christian living in a muslim country, thereare certain rules about covering my head and removing shoes whenvisiting places here, i do this out of respect for the people i visitand talk too.Like your women reporters in the middle east they have tocover up.Come on Britain wake up

Iam appalled by Jack Straw's comments, which reveal his ignorance on theissue of veiling. As a muslim, I do not veil, however, muslim women whochoose to veil do so out of religious conviction not some petty whim.The increasing intolerance towards muslims is a factor that alienatesthe muslim masses. Community relations between the muslims andnon-muslims in the last few years have experienced an ultimate low. Theenmity against muslims is due to this government's naive andsuperficial management of muslim issues, as well as the British media'shighly irresponsible sensationalistic reporting of muslims.Unfortunately this is another to add to the tally.

Ithink Jack Straw is right - I have nothing against the Muslim communityand welcome them as "Muslim/British" citizens with all the rightsbenefits that offers.
I know that like going to school if you dont wear proper uniform to conform with everyone else you will be "sent home".
If you want to live in England (like the USA) embrace your home countryand do like the locals do - become one of us and and do not isolateyourselves with strange costumes and customs !! I may be saying thisoutloud but I know 99% of the population think like me.

Policeofficers and others are required to remove shoes when entering aMosque, Police dogs cant be used in searches of Muslim areas becausethe dog is considered unclean,Toilets must be built in a position thatdoes not offend,Pictures of Pigs must not be within a certain area of aMosque,Certain food must be served in prison for Muslims,all these andmany others we bend over backwards to comply with,Mr Straw makes one(voluntary) request and again the Muslims are up in arms,this isBritain how about the Muslims considering some of our values, appearsthey want it all their own way,

Ipersonally believe that jack straw should watch what he says....if amuslim women wants to veil herself then let her be...she is causing noharm to anyone whereas the majority of rape cases you see the female isether dressed unappropriately or is drunk out of her face..whereasmuslim women have modesty...and barbara how can a women be modest whenshe is dressed to catch the attenton of the oppostite sex...please ipersonally find mini skirts insulting...but then thats my opnion

yesi think jack straw is right in what he has said if our children havebeen singled out because of wearing hoodes,yes they can be intimidatingbut i think with everything that is going on at the moment the muslimsshould not wear the veils.

Iagree with Jack Straw. I think that the veil shouldn't be worn whentrying to converse with others. Its disrespectful to cover your facewhen speaking to someone.
Also, the full veil can be intimidating. I know that my toddlerdaughter was terrified recently when she encountered a group of muslimwomen dressed head to toe in black veils. She thought they were"ghosts" when she saw them.
Finally, how on earth are any council/shop/benefits staff to identify aclient/claimant if they cannot see their face? Its ludicrous. At theend of the day we are a christian country. Christians observe muslimcustoms in muslim countries, whether they conflict with their religiousbeliefs or not. Muslims should afford us the same respect.

Iagree with Jack Straw. I live and work in a Muslim country where likeUK face veiling is on the increase. The question is why? Is it purelyreligious expression? It is not permitted in the workplace - i.e. wherecommunication is required. What about the sensitivities of the hostcommunities - to me it has negative connotations and I will notcommunicate with someone who does not show her face. It is notpossible. Good on you Jack - time to be up front about these things -being PC does not work!

Thishas echoes of France's decision to ban religious symbolism in theirdress code at school. Unfortunately I cannot see how this will doanything to help strengthen relations between religious / communitygroups without more dialogue in both directions. I can fully appreciateand think Jack Straw has every right to ask for women to remove theirveils if they are to visit what are effectively his premises, but itdoesn't do anything to offer suggestions of tolerance... and it istolerance which seems increasingly to be in danger on both sides of thedebate.

Ifind that women wearing the full face veil is intimidating. Mr Strawasked that if Muslim women came to constiuancy surgeries to come in ahead scark so that their conversations could be held face to face(thereis also a woman present in the room) facial expressions can say onething and the voice another.
We are living in a multi racial society and the barriers between us allneed to be broken down to live side by side, how can you know yourneighbour if you cant see them? Times have changed and culteres aremoving on, we have to look to the future and not to the past.

Ithink Mr Straw has a right to request at least that his constituentsrespect his beliefs too. I am a muslim myself and I think that itsabout time politicians got off the fence and made clear what theirexpectations are. Then if the muslim fraternity is not happy about it,book a single ticket to Saudi Arabia!

IBelieve that Mr. J. Straw is 100% right about Veil Wearers, Because asthe Saying goes when in Rome do as the Romans. He did not ask them toWear Pants/miniSkirts or Bikinis; Only requested that they Unveil theirFACE. And if they find that to be too Much for them then, They shouldSkip their Assylum/Refusgee Claims and Simply go back to theirCountries(because 99% of them are assylum seekers/refugees and NewComers), Instead of trying to Force their believes and ways of life onthe majority of Citizens and Residents.

"PeopleAre People-Depeche Mode" and I truly believe the integrity of JackStraw insofar as to his humble request. Naturally such veiling mattersare a matter of choice for each individual insofar as to say that itreally is a matter of politeness whilst within the compounds of anyoneconducting a personal conversation to maintain a level ofprofessionalism, particularly in light of todays security levels. Onthe other hand, if anyone doesnt want to show their faces at suchmeetings in person then the good old telephone etc would no doubtensure that level of facial confidentiality if you can get through.Better still why not try out Sky' interactive service available onevery Sky channel? Visit www.sky.com

Ithink its disgraceful that Jack Straw requires Muslim women to unveilwhen meeting him in his constituency. He like many other MP's havecourted minority populations like Muslims in their constituencies atelection time in order to win votes, often labelling opponents who viewthese people as British citizens rather than Muslims, racist. Youcannot have your cake and eat it Jack. I estimate it will take himabout 24 hours to reflect upon his actions and then apologiseunreservedly to his Muslim electorate.

peoplehide their faces when up to no good,it is ridiculous in these troubledtimes to hide ones identity,not being able to give a description leavesone vulnerable.full face veils are not compatable with the way oursociety has developed.,i find full-face veils insulting,totallyunnecessary,antiquated and out of place as it shocks with it's bondageappearance, totally bizzar.insinuating we are not modest,i find fullveils ridiculous.