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Veil ban stripped
Published on: 2/1/2010.
by TREVOR YEARWOOD
A BACKWARD STEP!
This is how the local Muslim community has described a move in France to ban women from wearing full Islamic veils in public institutions.
"We are looking at the whole proposal of banning the wearing of veils n France as a serious development," secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association, Suleiman Bulbulia, told the DAILY NATION.
"European countries have long prided themselves on supporting religious freedom; so we are left to wonder why they would want to go back on this position.
"This is not a good step. It impinges on one's freedom to practise one's religion."
A French parliamentary commission has recommended the ban on full veils in "public services", including hospitals, schools, and transport, following six months of hearings surrounded by public debate.
In its nearly 200-page report, the commission called on parliament to adopt a formal resolution stating that the full veils are "contrary to the values of the republic".
In presenting the report to the National Assembly, Speaker Bernard Accoyer said the full veil was the symbol of the subservience of women and the banner of extremist fundamentalism.
However, Bulbulia dismissed the charges, saying women were not forced by anyone to wear the full veil but took it upon themselves to wear it as a sign of the modest dressing.
Law-abibiding
He said the women were not "extremist fundamentalists" but law-abiding citizens practising their religious beliefs.
Bulbulia noted that the ban actually refers to the veil known as a niqab. He said in Barbados some Muslim women also wore the hijab, a scarf that covers the hair, ears and neck only, leaving the
face visible.
In Bajan schools, some Muslim students wear the hijab, while the full veil is usually worn by Muslim females who have finished school, he pointed out.
Bulbulia said the call for a ban in Paris might be a reflection of the ethnic and racial intolerance in European societies.
He said he hoped that Barbados would not take any lessons from the French development, but reasoned that the Barbadian society was "more developed, more understanding in terms of building relations among different groups of people".
He also said that in our society where "a lot of people have been speaking about immoral dressing and dressing inappropriately" it should be applauded when "people take the decision to dress modestly".
Meantime, Guyana's Honorary Consul in Barbados, Norman Faria, says he has heard expressions of concern from Guyanese Muslims about being asked to remove head covering when being photographed for identification purposes at local state agencies.
The consulate's requirement is that part of the hairline, at the top of the head, and the two ears must be exposed for ID purposes, according to Faria.
36 comment found!
Freedom of choice!! : 2/4/2010
I hear and read of all the commotion going on across the globe, about people having a problem with a simple piece of harmless cloth I choose to wear on my face. The problem arises from either ignorance about the matter or differences with it.
I am a born and bred bajan from bajan born parents and my navel string is buried in the heart of the city.This is my homeland (Beautiful bim).
I decided to wear the veil at the age of 19. Thank you very much, but it was out of my own choice. Neither was I married nor did my family encourage it. I feel very comfortable wearing the veil. I have used public transit and attended many a class while wearing the niqab. I feel my veil enhances my identity instead of hiding it. You may ask how so? I choose to be known for my inner voice, my personality and intellect.The niqab has given me the opportunity to express myself without men, in particular, judging me or treating me based on the way I look. I don't have to worry about looking good for people who see me walking down the street.No need to look perfect and sexy all the time in order to be worth anything; it prevents unwelcome attention from the opposite sex;(speaking from experience before I wore the Veil) my body is my own, not public property for anyone to see; my beauty and charms are reserved only for that one special man who is worthy of it.
I cover myself for the same reason you keep your front doors locked, for the same reason you fit alarms to your cars,for the same reason you hide your expensive jewels in a safe and keep your expensive mobiles concealed in public -and after all, isn't a woman's safety and dignity more important than material possessions? Wearing the hijab/niqab does not guarantee my safety from sexual harassment, but it does reduce the risk. You may see it as collective punishment, but ask any niqabi, she will tell you it's a collective blessing.In the comfort of my home or private gatherings, I confound to a different dress code. I am happy in my own shoes. I don't force people to start wearing the veil, and likewise, I don't wish for people to force me out of my shoes.
A woman in this part of the world can go outside in a bikini. Just as she can choose to be almost fully naked, it only makes sense that I have the right to be almost fully covered. Covering the face is not something uncommon in the west, maybe here in Barbados people don't cos of the heat. Some cover their faces with thick scarves on cold, winter days. Nowadays, more and more people are covering their faces with masks to protect against viruses, such as the H1N1 virus.
The niqab is not a threat.Niqab wearing women do not bite. We are not criminals. There hasn't been a history of niqabis committing crimes.We are law abiding citizens.If and when we're asked to reveal our faces we comply without no hesitation on our part.
A woman should be given the choice to wear the niqab or not , for the sake of freedom of choice and religion.
With peace.. luv ya all my bajan friends :)
: 2/2/2010
Simon, Women are not pressured by men to wear the veil. In fact they are many young women who are not married who wear the veil, also they are many women who have converted to Islam out of their own free will who wear the veil. Get properly educated on this topic before you comment.
Veil : 2/2/2010
Why is it that the women who cover are pressured by men... and not the women who uncover...they are also pressured by men. Reality is that 25% of the women who wear the face veil in France are French women who have come into Islam of their own free will (converts). What is dressing the same way as "the rest of us".. You mean undressing the way as you do.. go into town and see how women dress today or rather undress.
: 2/2/2010
There is no religious requirement for Muslim women to cover their faces. The women who cover their faces are usually pressured to do so by the men of their community.
If a person wishes to interact with other people, the least that they can be expected to do is to reveal their face.
It is time for Muslim men to have more respect for women and treat them as equals (after all we don't see the Muslim men covering their faces)!
Dress : 2/1/2010
If we were to live in a muslim country, god forbid we would have to dress the way they do. Its only fair that they dress the same way as rest of us.
Bajan
bajan : 2/1/2010
the west says that all muslims are terrorists and all terrorists are muslims yet islam is the fastest growing religion in the world
the west says that the muslim women are forced to wear the veil and we can also says that the france government is forcing the muslim women not to wear the veil what is the diffrence
you want proof that islam is the fastest growing religion in the world watch this vedio the person even seems to be preaching the gosple
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV7jcWynaYo&feature=related
: 2/1/2010
Did anyone ever thought why veil is not banned in America? Why in France at this time? Does it have to do with local election to be held very soon?
Reply To Obviously : 2/1/2010
Nik believes that all muslims who lives in Barbados are not Bajans.Well! I have bad news for you ,over 80% of muslims have their naval string buried right here.
Reply To Logic : 2/1/2010
It is sad that 'Logic' has used most illogical arguement against the veil.Islam is not only a religion but a complete way of life.Study It
: 2/1/2010
Ottawa Bajan need to know that muslims from west Bengal camp over ninety years ago and today there are about fifteen hundred muslims in Barbados and most of them are born and bred Bajans.Come and visit us when next you come to Barbados and you will learn that we are not aliens from outerspace.
Ban : 2/1/2010
You can dress mosestlyt without hiding your face. Yeah France. Who is to tell who is really under that veil
: 2/1/2010
Muslim women the most respected in the world? Ha! Ha! please don't make me laugh. Stop fooling yourself, woman!
Veils and Common Sense : 2/1/2010
It seems to me that the expectation that a photograph showing part of someone's hairline and ears alone would even be considered as acceptable is ludicrous. Mr. Faria and others should not be seeking to create tempests in tea pots. The requirement to remove head covering for the purpose of being photographed for identification purposes should not be compromised. This would be a common sense issue at anytime, but in the dangerous climate we all live in, this is essential. If there is some concern surrounding privacy or modesty, then the process can be administered by a female. Like many, I wish that Muslims worldwide would be as forceful in their calls for tolerance of Christianity in predominantly Muslim countries as they are to ensure their right to practice their faith in Western, liberal democracies.
It Goes For All : 2/1/2010
Requirements are requirements what is Faria's argument about showing the hairline and ears? That is the most laughable argument I have heard all day. I have heard complaints from non-muslim females that they were told that they had the wrong hairstyle in the photo on applying for a passport. If one set of persons must show the hairline then all should. Can I as a non-muslim say to the immigration officer that I wish to hide my big ears or my large broad forehead or that any other hairstyle makes me look too plain? Listening to such complaints alone of misconcieved ideas of racism is to tolerate nonsense. We all hve to conform to the laws of the land where we live. Now he has the audacity to repeat the same lame statement in trying to state that someone's rights have been trampled. Maybe that is the reason he used the term "expressions of concern" because it is not a valid complaint.
The Veil : 2/1/2010
When women want to cover up and protect their modesty, they say it is done because they are forced and oppressed. What about those women who walk around practically naked and inappropriately attired? Aren't they forced by society and fashion trends to dress that way too? Aren't they oppressed by their need to attract male (and female) attention??? These are things that have always made me go Hmmmm Hmmm???? Muslim women are always willing to co-operatate with the law and identify themselves when necessary. Never heard a Muslim woman rob a bank in her veil yet!!! It's time to get away from this feeling that Muslim women are oppressed and sub-servient or forced to do so many things against their will. This is defintely NOT the case. Just because we choose to cover and not display all that we have (or don't have)to offer is our choice and NOT because we are forced. Is is so difficult in these times, when nothing on a woman's body is left to the imagination and everything on a woman's body is for exploitation, that some women choose not to be exploited or have their bodies taken advantage of???? Like I said, some things just make me go Hmmmm!!!!! Muslim Woman
Veils : 2/1/2010
As a young Muslim female who wears the Hijab, I must say that nowdays it is a pity that ignorance is the foundation of judgment.
In Islam, Muslim men and women must dress modestly, they are certain places of the body we must cover. It is not culture or tradition. This needs to stop being your excuses. I feel higly offended when I travel around Barbados and see young men wearing their pants below their waist and young girls (school girls as well) who wear short skirts or tops that are extremely suggestive. Muslims women are the most respected in the world, and it is fine time that we start looking at the contributions that Muslim men and women have given to Barbados and the wider world. Become educated individuals instead of letting the media manipulate the way you think.
: 2/1/2010
Security must now overpowered religion and this sacred (perhaps even sanctimonious) belief. It is totally necessary. I always pondered about the need to cover up this way anyhow. What is there to hide in the name of religion? Did anybody notice Jesus' attire as he was dying on the cross. Those who don't want to comply with instructions need to resort to a hole and stay there.
Retired.
Veils : 2/1/2010
Please take note that a British teacher almost lost her life, because her class named their Teddy bear Mohammed; these were nursery school children, and each child submitted a name, since most children are given the name Mohammed, they proposed their name and the majority won. Wake up bajans. These people have an average of 4-5 children, in a generation, they will take over. Ottawa Bajan.
logic : 2/1/2010
ok, i think this veil thing should definitely ban,this is the twenty century & this foolishness should stop, no need to disguised yourself no religion say nothing of that & we are not in the slavery days & this way of life should definitely go, beside why would you not want others to see your face? we need to see who we're encounter with each day. religion should not be an excuse to cover from head to toe.
Bajan Bigots : 2/1/2010
Listen to me you Bajan bigots. Barbados is a secular state. Let foreigners rot on the street instead of accommodating in your hospitals. Very 'Christian' indeed. Tell the Catholic nuns to remove their habits and walk the streets like Garrison night ladies. Bigots and hypocrites.
: 2/1/2010
France is 'intolerant' yet women are not tolerate to wear western dress in Muslim countries. Who is the intolerant one here? When in Rome......good for France. The same way that you cannot wear motorcycle helmets in a Bank, there is reasoning behind France's decision. The world has become too politically correct.
Veil ban stripped : 2/1/2010
When in Rome do as the Roman do otherwise go home ane do what your country does. Every home, country, office, association has rules and regulations to which others wanting to be guests, partiicipants, citizens, etc. should adhere to. Barbados should ban the full head veils before it gets out of control
Bajie
Veil ban stripped : 2/1/2010
"the Barbadian society was "more developed, more understanding in terms of building relations among different groups of people". That is PSCY 101. Lets not get caught up with his reverse psychology crap. In this day an age, the full face should be shown, if not when will we know if its a criminal under those veils. Barbados, step up to the plate and ban the veils. Otherwise there will be all sorts of religious gears being worn, eg. swords in the belt, etc.
Juan Boxill
THE VEIL : 2/1/2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9v4gZDLPd4
PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ATTENTIVLY
Muslims : 2/1/2010
It is very interesting to read what Mr. Bulbulia is saying about "Muslim Garb".Here in Canada A national Muslim group is asking the government to ban Muslim garb because there is nothing religious about it. Yet Mr. Bulbulia considers it religious.
In any case wearing a disguise should be against the law regardless of whatever the perpetrator says.
It is time for the Barbados government and all governments ban the wearing of disguises in public.
Hendya
: 2/1/2010
Not a backward step at all; it is a necessary step with all this terroroism going around;get real.
obviously : 2/1/2010
Those who are see this as a step backward are not aware of world current events. It amazes me how those who are living on foreign soil expect the utmost tolerance for their beliefs - what about the NATIONAL beliefs of the country they now call home?? Don't the French have the right to do what they believe will protect their country and people - muslims included??? Give me a break.
Veil in public.. : 2/1/2010
Why should people be allowed to wear disguises in public?? If men did this, the would probably be arrested!!! It is not a religious mandate, and it shows how these women are made to feel sub-servient to men. Time to wake up and smell the coffee...France did!! Congrats to them!
Barbados Not Iran or Iraq : 2/1/2010
Barbados is a Christian Country. When in BIM do as the Bajans do. We can't go to an Islamic country and impose our religious and cultural values or customs on the State or people, so please, my Islamic brothers, don't try to impose your Islamic customs on us. We expect, for example, that when you enter certain public and security sensitive places such as banks, Law Enforcement Agencies and the Airport, that you remove the veil for obvious security purposes. Don’t even start with that constitutional gabble about rights to worship, for we known that the wearing of the veil has nothing to do with your religion…just a far eastern custom imposed on the women in those places by some chauvinistic males. Shame on our Religious and Political leaders who don’t have the fortitude and truth in them to stand erect and declare that this land, this Barbados, was founded on Christian values and that we will not become an Islamic puppet State by default or by neglect.
VEIL BAN : 2/1/2010
I dont see what the problem is ..in certain muslim countries is christianity allowed to be practised freely? If you are in Rome you have to follow the basics of the Romans. It is a country to country thing.
Brew, Brew & Brew
: 2/1/2010
Dressing up covered from head to toe is not modest dress it is dangerous in these trying times and the rest of us have every right to be suspicious. No one knows who is under that garb, fish or fowl, man or woman.
And then there is Mr. Faria who opposes everything in the name of being popular with a certain group. I think Mr.Faroa's popularity has earned him the right to return to Guyana and run for elected office. He would win because he really has that country's interest at heart--- from a distance. Can you imagine trying to confirm someone's identity while they are wrapped up from head to toe , you can't even tell if they have identifiers you should see or if they are who they say they are. It is also an insult to women. There are extremes. The problem is no one is oppoosed to immigrants but it seems as though some of them want to benefit from their adopted country while trying to change that country's habits to theirs. If they like what they had so much why don't they just stay where they were. There are rules and laws, comply or go back from whence you came. I know exactly what I am talking about. Kudos to the Australian prime minister who put it so well, told them he did not send to call them so conform or go back from whence you came.
veil ban : 2/1/2010
what the heck is barbados coming coming to nowi agree with france banning this outragous garg same as barbados how can you identify someone all covered up for identity purposity maybe they should try living in saudi arabi
: 2/1/2010
unfortunately in the times we are now living in, it's not only about building relations but also security of the nation. The Niqab is not a must in the muslim religion but a choice. I love my country (Barbados) I stand by their decision if they decide to ban the Niqab aswell.
C'mon Norman!! : 2/1/2010
Norman Faria, stay out of the media unless you have something constructive to say. Do you not understand the seriousness of not being able to identify someone in a photograph. Someone's eyes are not enough to verify identification. You should know better in this current terrorist climate. I think that you need to enlighten your countrymen about international protocol instead of coming to the media with a diatribe of rubbish...as usual!
Full veil : 2/1/2010
Somebody should tell muslims that you can't build relations by hiding your face from other people. All you do effectively is make yourself a non person. Barbadians are an open and trusting people. These veils are alien to our society and introduce an unwanted and unwelcome feeling of distrust and suspicion.
Farias selective comments : 2/1/2010
The Consuate's "requure,ents"noted. But howcome, His Excellency has not commented on, or rebutted, the recent comment by our Senior Immigration Officer, re the huge costs Barbados taxpayers are absorbing by keeping a very ill , (and illegal) non-documented non-national man alive at QEH, after an injury whilst (ilegally)working here?
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