Isn't the key question whether or not migrants are prepared to adhere to the basic principles of Australian democracy? We believe in an elected government - not a theocratic or autocratic one. We believe in the rule of law enacted by that elected government, not the laws of any religion. We believe in equality of all before the law - men and women alike. We believe in freedom of religion and association and, despite our restrictive libel laws and silly racial vilification laws, we believe in freedom of speech.

All Victorian schools, religious and secular, private and public are now required to promote these democratic principles as a condition of their registration as a school. They are closely supervised by the Registration and Qualifications Authority.

What people wear is a matter for them. But there can be no legal, moral or philosophical support for anything other than adherence to our democratic principles by all who live here.

Billie writes

'These actions are all designed to control women's sexuality and ability to participate as equal members in our society'

If all women would control their sexuality they would not then murder so many of their unborn. It is simply their lack of control that leads to this horrific situation. Somehow Billie fails to see that taking a little responsibility for oneself would stop you from being in a position where others then have to clean up the mess.

Dear CJ
Do you occasionally walk around in public with your face covered? If not why not?
Regards
Blair

The article raises some valid points but overall looks like an excuse to attack multiculturalism and muslims rather than a genuine attempt to address the issues. Boazy like in it's approach.

I wonder what the impact of the pervasivness of video camera's will be on our society. Councils, governments and businesses are increasingly making use of camera's to monitor peoples activities. Almost all mobile phones and digital camera's have video capture capability and a variety of other compact video recording devices are available. Often their use is quite legitimate and may help to protect people but there is still a level of discomfort with being recorded. Will covering faces become more common as people decide that they don't want to be identifiable on recordings as they go about their business? Will idea's of privacy change?

R0bert

blairbar: << Do you occasionally walk around in public with your face covered? If not why not? >>

No, unless sunnies, beard and Akubra count - however, I occasionally ride a motorcycle in public, wearing a full-face helmet.

Why not? Because I'm neither a fundamentalist Muslim woman nor a Star Trek fan - but I wouldn't begrudge them their right to do so, as long as they're not compromising public security nor doing so to avoid identification.

I hope that makes my position clearer :)

c.j. very well said, twice.

runner:

>> Just because some have calloused hearts does not mean everyone has to.

yes, runner. the overflowing love in your heart is evident in your every post.