I am not for a complete ban on the Burqa.

In fact I would encourage Hanson Young and Rhiannon to adopt it.

In Australia there is no evidence of 'men' forcing women to wear the hideous symbol of women's oppression.

The feminists support the choice. However feminists are very sensitive where other deemed symbols/inferences of women's oppression are concerned.

Either way, the women who don the garb are deliberately making a political or cultural statement and by free choice it is alleged.

While women are restricted by Islamic fundamentalism it is a mistake to assume that some do not construe benefits in the balance for themselves, out of predictability and dependence or instance and are the bulwarks of fundamentalism, teaching it in the home by example and direction to children.

Why would Muslim mothers be forcing their daughters, schoolchildren, to wear the uncomfortable, isolating symbols of female oppression? It IS the mothers who are inflicting their choices onto their children.

What about in school sports where girls may already perceive less opportunity, particularly where they aspire to elite sports? It must be awfully hot and limiting having to play soccer with head gear and full length arm and leg track suits.

I've come across an interesting article on the
fallacy of the burqa which puts things into
perspective:

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/opinion/australias-burqa-fallacy

The article tells us that those debating whether or not
the burqa has a place in Australia are not dealing with
reality. Very few women in Australia wear the burqa.
And a quick survey of the Muslim population in Australia
highlights the absurdity of discussing whether there is
a place for the burqa ... in our society. According
to the last census only about one third of the Muslim
population in Australia are from Arabic speaking
backgrounds. Many of whom wear the hijab (head scarf) rather
than the burqa or niqab.

The article is not suggesting that there should not be
healthy debate about Islam. However it states that debate
should be about what Islam is and what it means for the
many different groups that comprise the house(s) of Islam.
Debate needs to focus on developing understanding rather
than fostering division and difference. The article
states that the kind of
"Mickey Mouse" journalism that we have seen regarding this
issue functions as a grist for the mill of bigots and
should have no place in Australia. It strengthens unwanted
stereotypes and cultural rifts. Things that we're told
a truly free and open society should seek to avoid.

Foxy: Debate needs to focus on developing understanding.

I agree, but how are you going to convince the Left, GLBT, Infidels & others that one of the main Tennent’s of Islam is to convert them to Islam by one of three means. Convert of your own Free Will, Pay the Jizya Tax & be shut out of any decent employment, or accept being killed. Heads off everywhere.

That has been stated so many times by the Hierarchy of Islam that it cannot be simply ignored. Australia, “The Great Southern Caliphate.” USA, The Great Western Caliphate.” Europe, “The Great Northern Caliphate,” with the UK as it’s Seat.

That is the Conversation Australians need to have.

Foxy: "Mickey Mouse" journalism that we have seen regarding this issue functions as a grist for the mill of bigots.

The Journalism I have seen does it’s best to down play any Islamic activity most Australian’s find unacceptable. Even describing Terrorism as “only the work of a lone wolf.” Seem to me though that there is an awful lot of Lone Wolves collaborating on an ever-increasing level.

Foxy: It strengthens unwanted stereotypes and cultural rifts.

The unwanted Stereotype of someone’s Right Wing views is one of Nazism & KKK, but there are only a very few of this vocal Radical Types. They are’nt liked by normal Right Wing people either. The Left side has a lot more Extreme Radical Types who are very violent, as seen in the USA lately. Even when the Right Wing have a Demonstration in Australia, the violence comes from the Left supporters. Most Right Wing supporters don’t have extreme views even though the Journalists try to make out they all have. One could say, it’s False News.

As far as Cultural Rifts go. Yes, there is a hole between Islamic Culture & Western Culture. FMG, Women forced to stay at home or only allowed out with a Relative, Sharia Law, Modes of Dress & more. So many that it’s a Chasm that will never be breached without Australia being forced to become Islamic. Do we want that? I don’t think so.

Dear Jayb,

The tenants of Islam?

Do you really know Islam that well as to be
qualified to speak about it? I don't know my own
religion that well. Can you really speak for all the 183
different Muslim groups that come from different
cultures, have different languages and practice
their religions in different ways that are currently
living in Australia? I certainly would not dream of
doing that.

My doctor is a Muslim. The doctors who looked after
me in hospitals were Muslims (and Chinese). And none
of them want to take over this country or influence me.
Except to make me well again healthwise.

We are a secular country. Religious laws are not legal
here. FGM is illegal and those who break our laws
will be punished.

I really have no more to add except to offer you this
link to give you some idea of the other side of the
coin:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/muslims-on-what-its-like-to-live-in-australia-20160429-goi953.html

Foxy, it was very common for English women to wear scarfs at one time.
There have been shots of the Queen wearing one.

Paul; I said:The Burqua is required in some moslem groups.
Note SOME !

leoj; The mothers force their daughters to wear it because their
husbands and immans insist.

If you think it is a rare sight drive down Haldon St Lakemba sometime.

Foxy, I think you had a connection with your local library.
Ask them to search for a copy of Geert Wilders book "Marked for Death".
I have lent my copy to a friend and that title might be a little wrong.
In it he explains how Islam's attitude to the host society changes
as the percentage of moslems rises.
Then look at the percentages in different countries and how their
problems with moslems changes.
The interesting thing is the moslems themselves talk about it, and how
to crank up their demands. It is no secret they are proud of the tactic.