Don’t ban the veil, but don’t accept it either.

Belgium may be about to become the first country in Europe to ban the Islamic face veil or burqa. French President Nicolai Sarkosey is pushing for a ban, and the Netherlands may be close to follow suit. Sometimes the rhetoric is laced with Islamophobia, but it is not always. Two of the most powerful reasons are given on the basis on equality and security.

There is of course an important distinction to be made between the burqa and the traditional Islamic headscarf, the hajib. The hajib is a public statement of religious identity that is about openness. They often enhance a Muslim woman’s beauty rather than hide it and can give them a communal voice.

Instructions on veiling are not found in the Koran, hence why only a small minority of Muslims believe in it. It is in fact a medieval religious tradition that blames women for male sexual sin. The veil hides women from society and treats them as a threat to men. Those women who claim it is liberating because it protects them from suffering predatory male sexual behaviour are, in my opinion, deluding themselves. Hiding is never liberating, and blaming your own body for the sins of men is a pathological form of self hatred.

From a libertarian standpoint it is difficult to deny someone the right to even the barmiest religious expression. In a democracy we must allow people the right to be wrong - it is the right I exercise most often! But it is more than this. I am also concerned that legally lifting the veil will not bring women out into the open. Many women are forced to wear it by social customs and/or oppressive family members. If the veil is removed more repressive ways of removing women from society will be found.

Communities, husbands, and fathers who advocate veiling should be rightfully held to account by public opinion. School girls must be taught it is a choice and know where to find support if they choose not to wear it. Europe has been gradually empowering women for 100 years; the veil is a step backward in time and accepting it is a rejection of the liberty so many Europeans have fought for. Don’t ban it, but don’t accept it either.

Next post – why there must be security restriction on veil use...