Is The Niqab A Barrier To Justice? (The Big Questions)

From King Edward VI Handsworth School in Birmingham, Nicky Campbell presides over the debate: Is the niqab a barrier to justice? Guests include human rights lawyer Barbara Hewson, journalist Myriam Francois Cerrah, student Sahar al Faifi, Daily Mail blogger Abhijit Pandya, law student Susan Snushall, Sunday Mirror journalist Anthony Clavane, born again Christian Michael Johnson, former NBA player turned activist John Amaechi, and Islamic law consultant Khola Hasan. (BBC The Big Questions, 25th March 2012)

[@Saleh8]

British are too tolerant sometimes. I am from Saudi Arabia, a muslim country that has zero tolerance towards others. Niqab hides the most important aspect of a persons identity that is the face and that is abnormal especially in court. And let's say Niqab can be allowed in public, The Judge has the right to ban Niqab in the court as much as he has the right to ban someone from coming to the court wearing a bikini and in this case we can't say it is a women choice to wear a bikini. a court is a court and everyone has to follow the rules. It really bothers me when Muslims run away from their non-tolernat fanatic society to a very tolerant one like Britain and they insist on spreading and defending their nonsence.

[@BarryGantz]

Saleh8 zzz

[@reubenjohn3471]

"Too tolerant" the fact u find that incomprehensible shows how fucked ur cuntry is lol

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Reuben John you’re an idiot incapable of a rational discussion-that’s what he’s saying you hateful racist goblin

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Barry Gantz constructive

[@spearmint47]

@@SniffMyDeadwax Wonder how many times a day you use your beloved ' R ' word. I've always believed some people see racism everywhere mainly because they're riddled with it themselves.

[@MsMeemii]

They want the freedom and want to live in a western country but still cling on to their conservative views and practices.

[@isqm2026]

It’s freedom in a western country to practice religion so shut the fuck up haha. Now you’re a face mask wearer aren’t you? Stupid af.

[@mrr5462]

They also want to live in a country that allows them to dress how they wish to and not have people like you judging them.

[@rac6040]

@@mrr5462 we are not judging this is against personal freedom

[@vinodbhandari6679]

These 2 hijab clad women r western converted muslims

[@jocelynn8795]

Niqab be banned. If they defy report them to the countries it's acceptable.

[@mrr5462]

You mean Deport? What an absolute tool.

[@johnphelan7403]

Working in security I am constantly required to ask motorbike couriers to remove their helmets before proceeding further.While not favouring a blanket ban on the niqab - no pun intended - I think certain premises should be entitled to require either such attire be removed or to deny access.

[@johnphelan7403]

The reason we ask couriers to remove helmets isn't solely to check their identity - it is also because people in certain environments feel threatened by people who's face they cannot see.

[@johnphelan7403]

+Jacob Hughes There's also a certain irony,Jacob,that women fortunate enough to live in the relatively liberal West choose an item of clothing as an expression of their freedom from religious or gender oppression which their sisters in some parts of the world could be beaten for not wearing.

[@harrietharlow9929]

If a female officer is allowed to check identity against the ID photo I don't see a problem.

[@RAIRADIO]

There should be a blanket ban in public places. I need to know who is walking into my store or sitting next to me in a bus.

[@thomasnewton8406]

Yes it is a barrier and it's depressing

[@isqm2026]

You know what else is depressing? Seeing your eyes now that you have to walk around with a COVID face mask on. How does it feel now? :D that’s why you shouldn’t be so quick to speak on other people’s culture/region

[@AB-bf8iq]

@@isqm2026 People will stop wearing musks after someday.So ur argument here is pointless.

[@isqm2026]

@@AB-bf8iq still doesn’t defeat the fact that 99% of people are walking around with their faces covered. So my argument is completely valid.

[@AB-bf8iq]

@@isqm2026 Yeah but in our case it was not imposed on us by some ancient God. Nobody told us we are gonna go to hell or get rap*d for not wearing it.

[@AB-bf8iq]

Also then why the Covid happening to both men and women ? By your logic it should only happen to women right? As only women are obliged to cover their faces not men.

[@pps900]

That woman in the orange needs to shut up and let others talk

[@karllogan5084]

I should be able to wear a ski mask everywhere court bank or ANYWHERE ELSE it is my right it makes me closer to god! ;)

[@nizaras2811]

ain't funny

[@hijabmeup7778]

i go in banks with no problem, with niqab.

[@almostafa4725]

@Willy Wijaya Their white dumbass

[@samtheobald4011]

Karl Logan Send them all home Sweet home if there Too much problem no peaceful

[@samtheobald4011]

Karl Logan Problem problem problem these people

[@smellycatrulesxX]

8:00 honey people are gonna judge you no matter what so get over it.

[@David31567]

the muslims must understand...WHEN THE FUCKING JUDGE TELL HER TO REMOVE HER MASK SHE REMOVE HER MASK...finish story

[@TheFlyingHorse1]

Muslim women can show their faces, hands, feet and even hair! moderateislam.skyrock.com/3109058137-Woman-s-Awrah.html Salam (Peace).

[@Simon-nv5zj]

exactly..they think their right to wear it for whatever bullshit religious/cultural reasons overrides anything.

[@peterpiperdiedharper]

why bother bringing a teenager into a debate? all that young girl in hijab did was argue in circles and go off topic. sheesh.

[@achuthanbaburaj3796]

If westerners have to respect the laws of the middle east, why shouldn't the reverse apply? My grandmother isn't muslim but she had to wear a scarf to visit a mosque, no debates about intolerance etc. Why? Because it wasn't her country or her laws, she had to respect the culture and people around her. That woman can't compare a turban to a face veil, one covers the hair the other covers the face. Nobody talked about banning headscarfs, caps, turbans etc.,only things which cover the face such as balaclavas, helmets etc. It's not a barrier for Islam. It's just asking people to show their face in public. People are still free to practise what they preach at home. Otherwise can westerners be given a pass to uncover their hair in Saudi Arabia in public and show their ankles? The same argument about tolerance and freedom of expression can apply.

[@Anthony1uk]

The difference is, if westerners go to the Middle east and didn't follow their modesty customs. We would instantaneously be arrested. Thrown in a hell-hole prison. And the only outcomes would be one of literally facing years in prison, public lashings or even state execution for it. And thus the west conform when they go there. When they come over here however and they don't follow our customs. Absolutely nothing whatsoever happens to them. So why would they follow anything.

[@anonymousanonymous2319]

AnthonyUK fair point. Hence there should be consequences

[@almostafa4725]

@@Anthony1uk No you just bomb them

[@ThePaulwebb]

is this a bit of a non argument, everyone seems to agree that it is a barrier to justice, and if a judge asks for it to be removed it should be removed. It seems this is more of a general argument regarding the niqab. Anyway bollocks to it lol

[@samuelvimes7686]

Next episode: is the KKK-costume a barrier to justice?

[@nancyreid2710]

it shouldn't even be an issue . it's not what we do here so should not be allowed in any circumstances. they dont like it , then go to a country who will allow it.

[@madarauchiha3mia]

well, if you noticed, the muslim women kept saying that its not an issue to begin with, but, the western society is trying to find any problem and stick it to muslim ppl

[@garman763]

Religion and religious practices never fails to muck up most everything it touches! Especially in a secular society.

[@RAIRADIO]

Tell me what the Buddhists and Hindus and Taoists and Shintos mucked up in Britain please.

[@pinkpoodlepaloma]

The niqab can be frightening. It says we don't want to integrate. If they remain clad, they cannot take on public duty. Why are they even here if they don't want to integrate

[@progfan71]

You need to take it off in public, period. It's a matter of being able to identify people. Balaclavas are against the law, the niqab is no different.

[@kevinmc70]

8:17 I wear Hijab because I'm tired of being ugly! Well we all knew that!

[@Anthony1uk]

She needs mental health support. Not a mask to wear over her face.

[@MichElle-sd6gj]

🌙🧕🌙😅😂🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣😅😂😂😂😅

[@simplybuyer1]

lol

[@morphinmartian6266]

Imagine you were the accused and facing a jury of 6 men and 6 women where the women have their face covered, shouldn't you as the accused see the faces of all the jury whichever verdict the jury come to?

[@Stimps1983]

55% of communication is based on facial expression, so it's extremely limiting

[@madarauchiha3mia]

make it a 100% and we're now animals

[@SpankTheGargoyle]

"Your denial of an Originator is proof of His Existence" There's an invisible fairy that lives under YOUR bed, and I talk to him every night. Deny it! If you do, this proves it's true. Top logic!

[@williamaitken4544]

'If a judge said would you remove your veil would you remove it?' A straight question to which the answer is either yes or no, not 'it depends on the situation'.

[@princessjess2915]

So it is a no

[@aminadia2333]

she probably would actually, my mother is brittish, and my dad is from a muslim country, they met there and got married, and my mother never converted, until this day she said it was the best experience and she has never seen such kindness here in europe, so as most people do, you are drowning in prejudice

[@xawaomar100]

It's not meant to be a political statement at all. People just make a big deal of it, because it is "different" to them (which I completely understand). How a woman should dress is not supposed to be imposed by men at all. It may be in some parts of the world, but that doesn't make it truly part of a religion. Women in Islam have to be treated with respect and equality, but that doesn't mean they have to wear less clothing to be "equal" to men. I don't get that :P

[@voxer99]

It's not simply a matter of personal choice. It goes far beyond that. We live in a society, that's why it's not all about rights. There are also responsibilities and one of those responsibilities is to present ourselves, in public places, as who we are. No masks, we must be recognizable for who we are.

[@dianehooper3589]

I believe it is a barrier to justice . If I can't see who I am dealing with then I simply won't deal with them. Who knows who really is under there.

[@madarauchiha3mia]

and you see them, then, you start judging them by how they look, its a human nature to judge by looks

[@dianehooper3589]

Not I do not base a person person on looks, that is very biased .I watch how people behave, interact, and mannerisms. I can't judge book by its cover even if the author is one I enjoy. Sad, I guess that is how it is for you.:(

[@ik2019]

she is not taking about poker game. she is taking about poker face. you get it???

[@ramicollo]

How does wearing extra fabric make you any closer to God? Lmao

[@davidstarks3308]

ramicollo Please do your research you maybe surprise...

[@isqm2026]

If you don’t wear a COVID face mask now you’ll be sent back to god, u hypocrite lmao

[@spearmint47]

I wonder what happens in a driving test, how do they verify who's actually taking the test.

[@xawaomar100]

First of all, women are not forced to wear the niqab. In the Quran it says women should keep their modesty for the sake of God (not men) by covering their body, but they can show their face, and hands. The reason why women wear niqabs is their own choice, and almost 90% of women who do wear the niqab in Europe are converts. Quran also provides limits for men as well, not just women. I can provide you referencing if you like! :)

[@morphinmartian6266]

Why aren't Muslim men have their faces and hair covered up? I bet the Iranian women don't wear it out of choice

[@ramicollo]

Modesty for the sake of God? What, God is ogling the women?

[@MrYaatri]

These Muslims, yes, I am aware of my use of the term, don't understand that no one has a right to be on jury.

[@rebootcomputa]

No one seems to be addressing just how rude and unrespectful is to have a conversation with someone, without looking at their face.

[@xawaomar100]

So the 2 main reasons women chose to wear the niqab is: 1)more modesty is better 2)The prophet (SAW) wives wore them and whatever they do is automatically recommended and best for the rest of the women. The first few women who came to Islam wore niqabs for protection. -FYI -- Muslims aren't the only ones who've worn niqab; have you ever heard of the Zita, the Queen of Austria? She once completely convered her whole body (including eyes). /watch?v=dcZd0JheQyo

[@LuciferAlmighty]

Actually poker players hide parts of their faces so they don't give up that they are bluffing.

[@husniahadam8258]

Can I wear skirts in Saudi,Iran ?

[@twingolad]

Would you want jurors to all wear balaclavas? Why does a woman have to cover her arms and shoulders in uae dubai saudi? It's respect - show a little respect to our laws and traditions.

[@xawaomar100]

Alright I see what you're saying here. The Quran says to cover your body for modesty. So if a person decides to dress this way to make a "public statement" then they are wearing it for the wrong reasons. We don't wear what we want, we wear what is authorized in our faith. In Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism (etc) women are all suppose to wear head coverings also, but many don't.The Niqab is not mandatory in Islam, it's an extra. I don't wear a niqab by the way.

[@mechanoid2k]

She doesn't want to be judged so she wears the niqab, but she can go around all day judging whoever she wants. The fact that these women are well read and coherent is a testament to the fact that they're in a westernized country. In the native country of their religion they wouldn't even be aloud to speak, much less argue with a man.

[@don8829]

That's essence of Western culture, Freedom to follow your beliefs, The problem starts when you use that freedom to enforce your beliefs on the same system and then other people who are not part of that belief gets impacted and so does the society in that particular country.

[@GaganSingh-nx2yv]

Well the lady didn't participate in the public service. So enforcing your beliefs isn't true in this scenario.

[@dorandacolbert5973]

The question still remains: Why does a person leave where it is comfortable and acceptable for them to do what they do, and go to a place where they must demand that others accept and be comfortable with what they do. And a fact remains: A western woman cannot go into a Muslim country and dress as uncovered as she may in a western country without hassle.

[@don8829]

@@dorandacolbert5973 People get bored all the time and wants something new in life, if some western women are going into folds of islam. Its because inside them, they want someone to control them while lot of other muslim immigrants want to come to western world as they are bored and tortured from same control and want some freedom, its irony but no one appreciates what they have currently and always think grass is greener on other side

[@kaitsith3081]

9:22 You cant wear crash helmets or face masks in shops either...

[@1mikon]

They wnt to enjoy the benefits of the modern days but they also want to hang on to their archaic traditions.

[@d.ingleberry9635]

Exactly. Either integrate and take it off or leave it on and stay in the shithole country you came from. Either or!

[@xawaomar100]

It may be interesting to note here that until 1889, marriage of a 10-year old girl could be registered anywhere in the United States, at which time the State of California raised the age to fourteen. It was not until 1913 that this age was raised to eighteen.

[@bogdan78pop]

Should i be allowed to be Naked, in a Court of Law, as a Jury Member, because this is my belief..????

[@linaabojaradehart]

Theres a huge difference. By covering up, how is that hurting anyone? Being naked is offensive, no one should be forced to see naked people. I just don't get it why people have an issue with women wearing the niqab. Its a personal choice. And they did say if it was crucial to the case, they'd be willing to take it off

[@Anthony1uk]

lina abojaradeh Should a KKK member be allowed to go to court and wear thier full KKK suite the entire time? Its just a white burka after all isn't it.....Or would there be double standards.

[@linaabojaradehart]

@@ednaworku1222 And now everyone in the world is hiding their face... It's not really about a security risk, particularly since if asked, they would remove it for police identification purposes... I dont believe niqab is obligatory at all in Islam. In fact when doing pilgrimage you have to show your face. BUT, it makes me super uncomfortable, this policing of women's clothing

[@michaelhermiston2418]

It just looks horrible. Who wants to see black ghosts walking around their neighbourhood

[@zivkovicable]

Wrong. It's even more of an issue where there's hardly any sun. Which is why many Muslim girls in the UK suffer from Rickets. A condition, almost unknown in the general population since before WW2.

[@originalbabygal]

oh cmon that girls in orange headscarf is pretty lol

[@NK-uf1ek]

How would anyone know who’s behind the veil? Anyone could simply switch or pretend to be someone else any you would not recognise who it is.

[@LuciferAlmighty]

Muslims shouldn't be given special rights to wear that symbol of oppression.

[@aminadia2333]

i live in france, and here the niqab is banned, just as in belgium and holland, now the fact that the government even has the right to do this, and also banning the headscarf alone from public schools etc, suggests that these governments are opressing these woman, just as much as they are in some countries where they have to wear it. denying someone a right to wear something is not ANY better than forcing someone to wear it. its ridiculous how europeans have these double standards.

[@zivkovicable]

Report from the Lancet. "An increase in the number of cases of the bone disease rickets may be partly due to strict Muslim dress codes. The Asian community appears to be particularly vulnerable to the disease, which is caused by a lack of vitamin D.. However, traditional Muslim female dress places emphasis on relatively little skin being exposed to sunlight. This can lead to a vitamin D deficiency in mothers which is then passed on to their children during and after pregnancy."

[@RAIRADIO]

The closer to God is nonsense. They dont wear it at home or while sleeping. They wear it for 2 hours they have to be closer to society.

[@teresarutherford8065]

What about deaf people who depend on facial expressions, lip reading and body language?

[@maniadoc1]

Also actual word used in 33:59 is neither "cover face" nor "cover head" rather "put it over themselves"... & if we look at Hadith it referred to "Heads" (NOT face) - - - picturepush . com /photo/a/12364513/img/Anonymou­s/Hijab.jpg

[@tariqkamal6141]

I m Muslim I live in pakistan,, I think all countries should follow their own tradition, and migraine should follow that country traditions , If they have problem go back where they belong,

[@Smithpolly]

Some countries have a tradition of slavery. Do you think people should follow that tradition?

[@herbertfeuerste1n120]

1 Corinthians 11 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife[b] who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. 7 since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. QURAN sura [23:5] And they maintain their chastity. Only with their (4) spouses, or those who are rightfully theirs (slaves), do they have sexual relations; they are not to be blamed.

[@SAJEDMUNIR]

Allah said: the sole purpose of our creation is to worship Allah alone. Qur'an Surah 51 verse 56

[@maruthanilaththon]

goats can speak, i found it today.

[@jesperjee]

Religious beliefs? Sigh...people believe god would care if you cover yourself or not. Closer to god because you wear a niqab? I´m sorry people fall into these crazy beliefs. Of course should people be free to wear what they want but...yeah....the reasons are pretty sad sometimes.

[@nizaras2811]

you have no right to say it's a sad thing or the reasons are sad because simply it's their choice, either you like it or not

[@jesperjee]

Nizar AS It´s not sad because they choose it...it´s sad because they believe it´s required. Also, it´s tremendously sad that it´s, for some reason, just the women that has to do this.

[@kieronbrowne7881]

Mr Jee totally agree with you. All this shows is that you can brainwash a human being into believing almost anything. Sad but true.

[@worldno1boybandmember594]

the Qur'an doesn't even say hijab or nikad but brainwashed pigs still won't give up.

[@dianehooper3589]

YUP.

[@salahhe]

Modesty my ass, you can dress modest without wearing controversial religious apparel. You decide to wear that in public, you want to attract attention, you are making a public statement, no modesty there, it is because of the pride of being a Muslim and wear what you want, no matter that others suffer because of it.

[@manojjoboy5536]

the muslim women agree and same time disagree....totally double standard.

[@ALIIJK315]

It is forbidden for the woman to wear the niqab (veil) during the Hajj (pilgrimage) or the Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman in Ihram (in the state of ritual consecration during Hajj or Umrah) should not cover her face or put on gloves”. Narrated by al-Bukhari.

[@mandowarrior123]

1) Just is morality not objectivity. Being just has NO PLACE in a court of law. It is also IMMORAL, and therefore a HUGE impediment to being just. 2) a kippah has no effect on objectivity. 3) A jury is there not for one person to be objective, but to make sure that a fair trial takes place, and covering your face is not fair.

[@zhugenaut4150]

Whats wrong with a woman who wants to dress up like a ninja?

[@Bobomeetworld]

against the law? whose law you're referring to? human rights to choose what ever believes that want to.

[@georgedmello6028]

To the Muslims, your parents or great grand parents came to Britain for a better life, and your parents took an oath and that is to obey the law. Nobody will sit in a court naked, the bearer will arrest and throw you in jail. We are discussing a murder case, some Muslim say yes and some Muslim say no. I’m repeating this the Muslim society wants the laws changed to be compatible to the Koran

[@hiphopismydrug1]

I'm a muslim and even i think the Niqab should be banned for security purposes. it is not a compulsion of Islam.

[@nabhus]

The question is not should one follow the judge's ruling. The question is on what grounds did the judge have to make that request. How is the niqab affecting court proceedings? Democracy and freedom give her the write to CHOOSE to wear the niqab. To deny her that without JUST cause is an infringement of her democratic rights and freedoms. What was the cause? How does wearing her niqab prevent her from being a capable juror?

[@hindurashtra63]

No Questions asked, No Discussions needed. Let everyone be happy in their own Nations following their own Culture or Beliefs. If Islamic Nations don't like seeing women wearing revealing clothing, They don't have to. Similarly, If Western Nations don't like seeing women wearing Burqas or Veils, They don't have to. This way, Both the Western world and Islamic world can live in Peace, Maintaining their own Cultures and Beliefs.

[@1mikon]

Yes, it is a cultural practice. It is the inconsistencies of modesty that baffles me. Muslims treat women differently for sure.

[@RAIRADIO]

Its not a cultural practice. Its a religious practice. They use the word culture to make it acceptable.

[@salahhe]

Nobody is imposing anything on women except the laws in Islamic countries. You can wear religious apparel if you wish but it is a political statement and a sign of pride. And no matter how many times you say it is not, it still is to most people.

[@doctorsabir5]

MY POINT WAS WOMENS HAVE GOOD EXAMPLE IN MARY TO FOLLOW REGARDLESS OF RELIGIOUS FAITH

[@Mark-Tyson]

It's Bullshit... If men started wearing it, the community would absolutely freak out!

[@WillScarlet1991]

The Niqaab is female attire, ignoramus. It's like you wearing a bra and panties. Maybe you do....

[@Mark-Tyson]

whats wrong with wearing a bra and panties

[@WillScarlet1991]

billyrockproductions Well, you can wear womens' clothing if you like (if you're inclined that way), but on the topic of the Niqaab, I don't have a problem with it. It's not a threat to me. Is it to you ? - and if it is, how is it ?

[@Mark-Tyson]

Its a threat to me via, my children and millions of other non muslim kids, who see this and think it is normal. I consider it very abnormal, and i do not condone abnormality.

[@scarjo9635]

@@WillScarlet1991 its a threat to the women of that community. Its a practice made by men to control their women escaping out of their culture and marrying men of other tribes. Women are conditioned and made to believe that they are more moral than others and it gives them a good place in heaven. Its indirectly shaming women who dont dress like them.

[@1mikon]

I can't understand their religion. I try but I cam't.

[@davidstarks3308]

1mikon It's not for everyone

[@scarjo9635]

Better not. Its just bs.

[@louisefox4852]

When in Rome......

[@ramicollo]

... wear a ninja outfit

[@kaitsith3081]

I like the hijab, it looks nice but the niqab and burka are extreme and offensive in western culture just as western dress may not be appropriate in middle eastern countries.

[@vkorchnoifan]

How sinister looking !! Covered up except the eyes !! Someone really hates the look of a woman.

[@doctorsabir5]

MARY MOTHER OF JESUS WORE HIJAB.

[@morphinmartian6266]

we;re discussing the niqab and burqa not the hijab, Mary never covered her face

[@mandowarrior123]

You clearly do not understand the universal declaration of human rights. Article 30 Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein. There are 4 articles that deny the clothing, and one that can only be implied by breaching article 30, which it cannot do.

[@mohamedbrhan4094]

physical appearance can't make anyone more closer to God. anyone is going to judged by by their hearts and actions.

[@JaymesSinnah]

15:57 this woman's argument is massively floored. She has outright said and I quote, 'British women' wearing less clothing due to heat and the weather leads to high levels of teenage pregnancy. Plus she is also equating that removing the veil in court compared to women wearing a mini skirt is somehow comparable on a justice level. The jury need to make physical observations otherwise why have a court? Why not get the jury to listen to audiotapes. She has practically said that wearing less clothes leads to immorality.

[@aminadia2333]

and forbidding a woman to wear certain clothing is not ? so if she wears it out of free choice, who is opressing her, the one who tells her to take it off, or the one who lets her be.

[@SOUPRUN01]

Barbara Hewson: Describing the recent arrests of multiple celebrities like Stuart Hall under Operation Yewtree as a "grotesque spectacle," Hewson bizarrely likened what she saw as the post-Jimmy Savile "witch-hunt" to Soviet-era Russia. As well as calling for the age of consent to be lowered to 13, Ms Hewson also sparked anger saying guaranteed anonymity to sexual abuse complainants should be removed, and the statute of limitations reformed to prevent historic allegations being prosecuted.

[@VNavale]

The rights of the defendant is higher than the feelings of the jury membera.

[@shivani4279]

These Muslim women are crazy illogical, expecting the entire judicial system to give them special preferences.

[@Peter-ov6xh]

As soon as I saw the title, I *knew* that the insufferable Myriam François-Serrah would be putting in an appearance 🤢

[@TheAamirik]

I am in favor of Niqaab but I think there should have been a genuine Muslim scholar on the board and he would have solved the issue very easily. a) Uncovering your face is a valid opinion but a weak one, so even if we have weak one we should not be strict on imposing niqaab let alone in a court room. Especially in Britain where ppl look down upon Hijab let alone Niqab! b) Rulings of Fiqh can change according to time provided they are within the barrier of permissibility. In west Hijab's right

[@kidwarsoff898]

Why do we even need court session. If the judge can't even see faces when everyone decides to wear the niqab, why don't we just do it over the phone

[@nabhus]

Should the evidence that is presented and cross examined be dependent on the emotion seemingly expressed by members of the jury? Should not the truth be exposed on the basis of the facts of the case irrelevant of the jury's behaviour or should the parties involved be able to "play to the audience"? At a job interview the interviewer should not reveal their emotion in order to appear impartial to the interviewee. On principle, how is this any different?

[@Oo786oO]

Neither did man until recently... Your apology has been accepted.

[@jonahtisamphd.6101]

When performing public duties there are conventions and standards that needs to be met! No one has the personal right to perform public functions. When you are required to remove the veil you remove it! Minority should not dictate to the court what they want for public functions. They need to change to the majority standard. Igorance is not an excuse.

[@progfan71]

You immigrate to a country, you abide by its laws. These women should only be allowed to wear their niqab/burqa behind closed doors in private! Out on the streets, you need to be identifiable, period!

[@worldgonemad5866]

Yes, of coarse.

[@Diamondraw4Real]

but its not up to anyone else, its personal choice

[@AfroNinjaX]

British Muslim women became conservative after 9/11, court rooms have a dress code, but I usually hear the extremes of skimpy clothing being used in comparison to what was not used for decades in the UK. The convert with glasses feels special with it on and has decided that all the women who wear it aren't oppressed. This individual wears it out of convenience, removing it only when necessary, like wiggers and rude-boys, she has first-world reasons for wearing it.

[@nabhus]

If the judge wore a burqa would it impede on there ability to be just? Equally if a judge wore a kippah, would it hinder their capacity to be objective? How does politics have anything to do with what you wear in a court room? Is wearing a burqa the equivalent to being a Maoist or Hitler sympathiser? Does what you wear, or your religion affect your objectivity? Can only a non-atheist and non-christian judge adjudicate a case between an atheist and a christian?

[@mariastar8437]

Why do these Muslims go and live in their own country where they can wear what they like ....here in Britain we are Christians not Muslims .... when in Rome comes to mind

[@xawaomar100]

Don't get me wrong, a small amount of muslim women can be forced by men to cover up (I'm talking 1-5% here), but if you ever listen to a "niqabi" they wear it because it makes them feel closer to God and protected. What's wrong with that? If it's not through force from others then what's the issue?!

[@jeanatwood1421]

Islam teaches that women should cover their bodies from head to toe to avoid arousing a man's "passions." That is ridiculous. Why are these women fighting to be treated as second class citizens?

[@nabhus]

Firstly, we have changed topic, which is OK. Secondly, despite being Muslim, I have have never advocated for an Islamic nation. For me religion is private. I pray for good health and the well being of others. I love my family and I live a very honest and simple life. I'm not evangelical. My brother is gay and I love him to bits. I am London educated and I work in the NHS, of which I am proud and I vote. Not all Muslims have the same ideology, just as not all atheists or Christians.

[@BetYouCantDoThat]

right, because one cannot separate his or her's faith from making "sound decision"?