Houellebecq, your posts are a hoot.

Personally, I'm sick to death of being pressed up against the sweaty naked flesh of blokes in singlets on public transport. I think everyone should be made to cover up before they can buy a ticket and they also need to pass a deodorant and flatulence test.

I also don't think anyone should be allowed to travel on long haul flights unless they're covered up because I don't want to sit next to a nearly naked person for 13 hours when I don't know who they are or why they've chosen to be nearly naked on a freezing aircraft. How suspicious is that?

A burka is a strange garment to many Westerners, and we all know how incapable many Westerners are of coping with anything they find the slightest bit strange. They just want someone to make it go away. These people should be made to cope. Why do we always have to pander to the fearful? It does nobody any good.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/french-muslim-women-arrested-defying-ban-wearing-veils/story?id=13347753

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10611398

Lets see what all the fuss is about. Pat Condell does have a few points concerning the terrorist threats around the world, and walking into banks not covered up is a no no in Australian law, and lets face it, its just a religion. I mean the chances of there being a god in the 21 century are pretty slim at best, and women are just doing it cause there partner is forcing the poor ladies......and what a waste. IMO...these women are not getting enough sun light and some children are contracting rickets. This is not healthy.

The French themselves in the 16th century all wore masks and wigs. I think multiculturalism will all take time to adjust with each other, but if your just wearing it to get up people noses, well thats what Pat thinks, and many others do too.

I dont really see the big deal, other than the fact that face to face interactions are needed in modern times.

LEA

Houellebecq – in reply to your attempt at satire, I too appreciate diversity. There is plenty of it in Australia. Wear what you like within boundaries of what's lawful and socially and culturally appropriate. Going in public totally disguised – like a criminal, is inappropriate. Wearing Nazi insignia or KKK robes likewise. Shadow Minister wants to express his new religious beliefs by setting forth in Pagan garb, sandals and waist string (Thanks Shadow! Wonderful mental image lol) but I fear he will be arrested. Recently there were attempts to outlaw ‘Club Patches’ of bikie gangs involved in criminal and antisocial behaviour and so on … Restraints exist!

In almost every Australian town or city you'll encounter great human variety - complexion, features, size, shape, age, clothing and adornment. Consider yourself fortunate living here and able to enjoy these sights. Life is very much restricted in so many other places.

I thought I’d made clear my lack of objection to ‘religious’ garb or any 'costume' subject to the above. My argument is NOBODY should be going about in public covered as to be unrecognisable. I’d like to see legislation brought about to enforce it. For everyone - no discrimination, no excuses. Only exceptions - medical (rare) and special occupational, both requiring documentation. If you read my post, I stated burqa wearers need only modify their robes to expose face from above brows to under chin – problem solved. Allah will still approve. Modesty requirements will be truly fulfilled.

Wobbles – unless yours has a full face mask, please wear your Santa costume anytime, bless you child!.

BTW in todays safety and litigation obsessed environment, has anyone considered consequences arising from harm to self and/or others as result of burqa impaired vision? If a burqa clad driver collided with me, would that person be able to play the religious/cultural card to mitigate responsibility? Maybe Scutt the Lawyer could answer that one. I have encountered such a driver. 'The Sack' was horrifically erratic and had three unsecured small children in back. Pretty obvious by her posture she had 'vision issues. Scary and dangerous!

Houellebecq – in reply to your attempt at satire, I too appreciate diversity. There is plenty in Australia. Wear what you like within boundaries of what's lawful and socially and culturally appropriate. Going in public totally disguised – like a criminal, is inappropriate. Wearing Nazi insignia or KKK robes likewise. Shadow Minister wants to express his new religious beliefs by setting forth in Pagan garb, sandals and waist string (Thanks Shadow! Wonderful mental image lol) but alas, he will be arrested. Recently there were attempts to outlaw ‘Club Patches’ of bikie gangs involved in criminal and antisocial behaviour and so on … Restraints exist!

In almost every Australian town or city you'll encounter great human variety - complexion, features, size, shape, age, clothing and adornment. Consider yourself fortunate living here and able to enjoy these sights. Life is very much restricted in so many other places.

Thought I’d made clear my lack of objection to ‘religious’ garb or any 'costume' subject to the above. My argument is NOBODY should be going about in public covered as to be unrecognisable. I’d like to see legislation brought about to enforce it. For everyone - no discrimination, no excuses. Only exceptions - medical (rare) and special occupational, both requiring documentation. If you read my post, I stated burqa wearers need only modify their robes to expose face from above brows to under chin – problem solved. Allah will still approve. Modesty requirements will be truly fulfilled.

Wobbles – unless yours has a full face mask, please wear your Santa costume anytime, bless you child!.

BTW in todays safety and litigation obsessed environment, has anyone considered consequences arising from harm to self and/or others as result of burqa impaired vision? If a burqa clad driver collided with me, would that person be able to play the religious/cultural card to mitigate responsibility? Maybe Scutt the Lawyer could answer that one. I have encountered such a driver. 'The Sack' was horrifically erratic and had three unsecured small children in back. Pretty obvious by her posture she had 'vision issues. Scary and dangerous!

I think we are moving in different directions Miranda.

I would like more acceptance of nudity too. I genuienly am all for variety and difference. I'm with briar, nobody has the right not to be offended. You can be offended at people who refuse to show you their face, you can even refuse top talk to them and mock them like I do, but it's a bit much to designate what people can and cant wear.

BTW: 'Going in public totally disguised – like a criminal, is inappropriate.' Inapropriate? To what? I often contemplate going out in public in disguise just for my own amusement. I would love to have the balls to experiment at airports, there must be some stage of the check-in process where it is not breaking any laws to wear a fake moustache and to totally change your appearance.

briar rose,

Haha thanks. Though I did give counsellors a serve on the other thread:-) Nobody really understood I was holding a mirror up to the hysterical treatment of SRE 'evangalists'. I'm sure you would have.

'These people should be made to cope. Why do we always have to pander to the fearful? It does nobody any good.'

Very wise. I'm all for broadening people's horizons and comfort zones.

Aaah Houellebecq! Until something really nasty happens to you or loved ones, then you'll be first to cry foul and ask "How could this be allowed to happen?"

Diversity is fine but as well as the advantages there are drawbacks. One of the disadvantages we live with daily is the proliferation of regulations and red tape which has evolved to deal with the issues diversity has delivered.

Personally I am comfortable with nudity. Probably a result of a 12 year career in Health. However a lot of people aren't - as a group the Muzzies would be among the most offended, so 'indecent exposure' remains on the rap sheet.

I am interested though as to whether you believe any attire should be prohibited or is it no holds barred? I mentioned KKK robes. Should it be perfectly acceptable for a group wearing this outfit, another total disguise, to roam the streets of say Redfern?

Should restrictions be allowed to apply for certain dress standards in any situation? Should half-blinded burqa wearers be free to drive in their garb? Should workers be prevented wearing flip flops on work sites? Should Shopping Centres, Pubs & Clubs and other venues where many people congregate drop all dress standard requirements?