Switzerland bans minarets.

[stof]

Kasz216 said:
It isn't a means.

It is simply a symptom.

Looks like we won't reach a consensus on this one. I say the burka is oppressive, you say it isn't. Not something I think either of us will budge on.

A Burqa may be a problem... but once again... not everyone is forced to wear one... not even most people.

I know not everyone is, but that doesn't do much for the people that are.


Put it this way. If some people were forced to smoke cigarettes because of their religion would you be for banning cigarettes?

Cigarettes are a LOT more dangerous then the Burqa (as are other things women are pressured to wear... such as high heels.)

The answer... I would hope. Would be of course not.

Um... Cigarettes are awful, and I truly believe that were it not for the taxes governments make they'd be illegal whether people were told they had to smoke them or not. And why not? they're a heavily physically addictive substance. I'd rather legal pot than legal smokes, but that's a WHOLE other argument. But I think we'd agree that high heels and burkas are substantially different, both in their effects and in their causes.  I just find that when you make a comparison to other things in the world, they're not really equal comparisons. in fact I have trouble thinking of a good comparison to the burka since it's such a unique case.



You don't make laws banning things. You make laws that prevent people from forcing people to do things.

We regularly make laws banning drugs, guns, hate literature, various forms of campaign contributions, hazardous materials, reckless activities, designer label knockoffs and a whole host of other objects, activities and actions, based on their effects on health, safety or society. 


When you ban a Burqa all you do is punish people who choose to wear such a thing... in reality you are inflicting a wrong against the people who choose to wear it... which are the majority.

You do a lot more than that actually, you also ensure that women don't have to wear them, that subsequent generations of women won't be brought up thinking they have to wear one. I don't pretend that there aren't individuals who would be angered or feel wronged by a burka ban, I just don't think it stacks up to the wrong done upon those that have to wear one. I feel the need to point out again that this isn't a simple hijab, turban or kippah. It's not a small garment designed to show religious faith, it's a hot full body covering that significantly restricts movement and visibility while completely isolating the wearer from society. 

Whether or not it is negative or dangerous is not for you or anybody else to judge.

Why the hell not?