RE: Islamic Culture Center; Islamic Culture in liberal democracies

I also just wanted to say bravo to James for that post. At least there are some people in this world who still believe in allowing the freedoms that makes Liberal Democracies great.

I also wanted to add to this discussion with some interesting points I have been recently reading about on the news especially concerning Islamic culture and the veil. (Sorry i don't have accompanying articles to go with this but I read them a while back and have been stewing this over)

1. As it turns out, France has banned the veil - an Item of clothing worn by an estimated 5,000 people in France. The president claimed that the veil is harmful to women's rights.

2. A poll was taken in Canada that showed that the majority of the population would like to see the veil banned.

3. Kosovo has banned the veil now too in the hope that it can join the EU (I know this one came from BBC world News)

4. A court in Australia ordered a Woman to remove her veil while making a testimony although it is not Australian Law. (ABC News Australia)

I believe the veil is a good example of a discussion on the government limiting civilian rights of self expression:

I firstly have no idea why liberal democracies have decided to begin banning an item of clothing that comes to represent someone's faith and why this is seen as popular. This really does make me uncomfortable as I see this as crossing the line - just because someone is wearing a veil does not mean that they are dangerous in any way.

Secondly, I find the Kosovar reaction to these bannings also rather disheartening. Ieeen trying to fit in to join the EU, they have not only alienated part of their population but have highlighted the discrimination taking place against Muslims in Western European society.

The forth case from Australia that I pointed out raises an important question about security. Although some Australians (especially of the older, more socially conservative generation) are very suspicious of Muslims, most urban Australians are in fact VERY liberal and have no desire to ban the veil. The judge's request for the witness to remove her veil was because they needed to see her facial expressions in order to judge whether she was being truthful in her testimony.

So I leave you all with this question: is it OK to ban the veil outright? Should it be mandatory to remove the Veil in certain high security areas ie. Banks, the Airport and Court? Where should the government draw the line?