Dear CJ
I wasn't trying to be obtuse. All I am saying is that in Australia we have laws that make public displays of adult nudity an offence. If the hiding of one's face in public is considered by a majority of citizens to be offensive enough to be banned (as presumably is the public display of genitalia by adults which is banned)then there is nothing inconsistent or "wrong" in our society banning wearing of the burka and/or the niqab in public.
Regards
Blair
PS
What happened to Spikey?

Seems the French are not the only people engaged in "What to wear imperialism". Not only is the Sudanese Government guilty of two attempts at genocide; it also lashes women for wearing trousers.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g2pg3n7WZPlmGI6nIp4Q2xjurESg