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The Veil Row in the UK

Shenali Waduge

Jack Straw, the Leader of the House of Commons in the UK has veiled himself in controversy over his statement which in entirety reads thus “I felt uncomfortable about talking to someone 'face-to-face' who I could not see…..I go on to say that I think, however, that the conversation would be of greater value if the lady took the covering from her face”.

Jack Straw represents Blackburn constituency wherein 1 out of 4 voters is a Muslim.

Strangely enough UK Muslims are divided on the Jack Straw’s statement. Both parties to the argument have their freedom of thought. This ignites further debate as to whether wearing a veil has been explicitly stated in the Koran. This leads to the question of why do some Muslim women wear veils? For most it is a statement of cultural identity, social modesty and not to mention the religious adherence it denotes. There is also the issue that many women are forced into wearing veils as well. Then what about the women who do not wear the veil? Does that make these other Muslim women any less Muslim? This no doubt will lead to further debate.

The veil issue has even spread across Europe. In France, of course, they have banned schoolgirls from wearing head-scarves in schools - a determined move to impose a French secularity on the education system. In Turkey, scarves are banned in civic spaces, including schools, universities - state or private - and official buildings. In Italy wearing the burqa is regarded as an offence. In Belgium, the city of Maaseik, on the Dutch border, has banned the niqab, which covers the whole body except for the eyes.

Jack Straw’s sentiments come at a time when UK itself is trying to figure out its position regarding multiculturalism.

But, for those who feel the statement is a queue to cry foul and incite others to follow should remember that if the UK immigration had been rigid enough to raise the issue of the veil when opening doors to residency would the veiled Muslim ladies have given up a chance to be domiciled in the UK?

It is good to also remember that in respect for the laws and regulations of the Muslim nations and in particular Iran even foreign visitors are expected to cover their heads with a shawl before disembarking from the aeroplane. Was there ever any debate demanding why foreign women should have to wear veils?

Why is it that cultural rigidity should apply in some areas of the world wherein no one can question the “law” or its “cultural behaviors” while leaders of countries that allow for “multiculturalism” have to face a barrage of questions and challenges by the Muslim community living in the UK.

Today, the religion has become a stooge for people who wish to use it as a form of bargaining power. Religion should not be involved in governance and should be something personal and something confined to the individual alone. It should not be subject to martyrdom for people who use it for their personal gain and self interests.


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