*Phanto*

" ... If we have to compromise our freedoms in order to visit other countries then perhaps we should re-consider visiting those countries who want to suppress those freedoms. ... "

Perhaps you should as even DFAT advises that if you deliberately flout the laws of another country then you must expect to face the consequences and there is little that they can do to assist.

Right or wrong is a conversation for another day.

And of course, you express this as a repression of freedom, but that is not how they see it at all. And to be dismissive of the peoples' of another countries p.o.v. can be fraut with peril.

Freedom of dress on our beaches isn't the stance taken by some of our politicians. One in particular wanted 'topless bathing banned in NSW to protect Sydney's Muslim and Asian communities.'

He pitched that 'Australia's reputation as a conservative but culturally inclusive society was at risk of erosion by more liberal overseas visitors'.

"Our beaches should be a place where no one is offended, whether it's their religious or cultural views," he said.

"If they've come from a Middle Eastern or Asian country where women never go topless - in fact they usually wear a lot of clothing - I think it's important to respect all the different cultures that make up Australia."

He claimed that; 'The practice was at risk of raising the ire of Muslim men in particular'.

I'm sure he would have got runner's approval for his stance.

Yes and we are also waiting for *Runner* to comment on Popey's comment for the day:

" Pardon women who have had abortions" (or something like that)

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As said earlier *SteelRedux* orientation programs are crucial. It's all right for the kids who get immersed in the education system here and get the latest regs etc shoved down their necks on a continual basis however, for older migrants, especially those who have none or insufficient levels of Australian english, they are often left to their own devices or learn by way of the "blind leading the blind."

..

Of course, an appropriate education/orientation program is costly, but still worth the expense in my view if you want to take migrants in.

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As for Muslim girls and Asian girls never going "scantily clad," I would say that this largely refers to their public behavior. Going scantily clad at home is quite acceptable, though I note there is variance in their societies just as there is in ours.

But coming back to it, the position of woman who go scantily clad in public in some countries is simply and wholly one of "sex worker."

And in the absence of education, this is one area where confusion and peril can creep in.

Banjo You have to make allowances for GrahamY everything that passes through here and especially those that offend him are passed on to the 'relevant' authorities.
When I was in the 'Service' we had dozens of individuals employed as "proofreaders" reading these forums and the information they provided.
Today computer scanning caused all those people to lose their job.

Western countries should just forget 'political correctness'. Stop shirking your responsibilities for fear of racism. These offenders define themselves by their barbaric religious beliefs.Before being even allowed to enter the country, they must be made aware of our laws. Their practices are unacceptable, will not be tolerated and are punishable by law. Regardless of race or religion the rules are the same. If they cant accept the laws of a civilized society then they dont belong there.