Netherlands to ban Burqa in public spaces

[Bebe 17,289]

I've actually softened my opinion on this quite a bit. There was a time when I would have agreed, I don't want people to walk around public areas in balaclavas, motorcycle helmets and masks  That's threatening. It's threatening and it's a security issue to let people talk around with their face completely covered. 

At the time it was an unfortunate fact that niqabs and burqas were included in garments that cover the face, but I thought that it was just something people would have to adapt to. It would be unfair to have one law for everybody and an exception for a particular religion. I strongly oppose that idea and still do.

It's naive to think this legislation wasn't created to target people wearing burqas and niqabs, but it's fair that some people might think the legislation makes sense - that banning anyone from wearing clothing that covers their face in public is common sense. I thought the same way, I don't feel comfortable with people walking around with balaclavas and motorcycle helmets on. Now though, I really question how effective such a ban would be.

I just wonder, how many criminals are going to avoid wearing masks and balaclavas to hide their identity because of this law? Is this law really going to stop any criminal from hiding their face and committing a crime?

It doesn't seem that this law will really make anybody safer or make the netherlands more secure. Criminals will continue to attempt to cover their face so they don't get caught and it will be religious muslim women who are affected the most.

It seems to me now that this legislation restricts freedoms such as freedom of religion and the right to self-autonomy more than it helps make people safer.

[TheBannedShadow 3,424]

18 hours ago, Whispering said:

We are on a forum with Muslims, Christians, Jews, Atheists, etc. It shouldn't be a chore to answer a simple question. I'm not really religious, but if someone asked a question about the religion I grew up in, I would gladly take the time to answer their question as best as I could.

This forum is a place for discussion, where those of us who have been here for years feel comfortable asking questions and can get information from our friends. You will learn that in time, Newbie. 

I've been around here for 8 Years on different accounts trough the years. For you to put me into the 'newbie' corner is degrading.

Second, no one was answering your question.

[Whispering 18,865]

1 minute ago, Tim Konings said:

I've been around here for 8 Years on different accounts trough the years. For you to put me into the 'newbie' corner is degrading.

Second, no one was answering your question.

Two people answered my question.

Dupe accounts are against the guidelines, you know. 

[TheBannedShadow 3,424]

1 minute ago, Whispering said:

Two people answered my question.

Dupe accounts are against the guidelines, you know. 

Where does it say that I am using multiple accounts at the same time?

 

[MarryTheKnight 2,181]

Religion is an archaic institution anyways, I support this law. Also, it's targeting all forms of covering your face, not just religious.

[Bebe 17,289]

9 hours ago, MarryTheKnight said:

Religion is an archaic institution anyways, I support this law. Also, it's targeting all forms of covering your face, not just religious.

I'd describe myself as an anti-theist, I'm not a believer - I'm sure we share many of the same ideas about religion.

Why take this route though? Why ban religious garments so that people cannot follow their faith? That seems like a form of censorship and like a restriction of freedom. I don't love religion, but I'm not going to suggest that we should prevent people from practicing their religion without good reason.

Let's not be naive, this is an attempt to restrict religious freedoms. The netherlands don't have a problem with people running around in balaclavas and motorcycle helmets. This law isn't going to stop criminals from trying to hide their faces, if they want to rob a shop they will continue to try and hide their face, this law isn't going to make the netherlands more secure. The only real impact it will have is to prevent devout muslim women from wearing particular religious garments. 

This law is ineffective in making the netherlands any more secure or safe. The only effect it will have is to prevent muslim women from making the choice to wear certain religious garments. Why should we support such a law?