Features

Reema
I am a muslim girl and i wear the headscarf only not the veil. the veil itself is not compulsory for muslim women, and jack strawws comments were fair enough. hes not asking for us to remove the headscarf. only the more extreme, the veil. it is true in certain situations it is difficult to bond.

Shahzaib Khalid
Whats wrong with this man (Straw)? I am a Muslim, I live in Pakistan (a muslim state). Two of my (female) teachers in school wore a Hijab and all the other (female) teachers wore a scarf, I dont think they were unable (in anyway) to explain anything properly. There are thousands of Christians and Hindus here, they wear whatever they want, I have seen hundreds of foreigners wearing bikini`s at the beach here. No one asks them to wear or not to wear anything they want or dont want to. Why can`t Europeans understand that if a woman wears a veil/hijab/burkha is not a threat to them, how can she be a threat? If anyone wants to carry weapons they can also carry it in a bag or their Jacket/coat/blazer, will Tony and Jack have a problem with people with long coats and Furry coats? I never heard of any news about a sueside bomber was wearing a Hijab/burkha/veil. Tony Mony and the Jack you guys don`t know Jack, stop fooling your own people, Muslims are not evil and their belief is not evil either. Muslims don`t have any problem with any religion, what people value and wear, Europeans should do the same.

Zahir & Haroon
i think that jack straw is totally wrong he has no right to tell muslim women what to wear. i think he is just attacking them as they are muslim.They wear the veil so that men to not look at them in the wrong way.

Rusha
y is it a 5 r old is made 2 take off his hoodie but women r allowed 2 wear tere veils?muslim pple r 4gettin tat they r in a CHRISTIAN country!!!!!!! so JESUS IS GOD!!!!!!!!! so hw bout respectin our country n culture instead of us havin 2 respect teres so much. Of cource wearin a veil makes communication harder!!!u dnt ned 2 b a genious 2 c tat. Stop finkin bout urselves 4 once!

mariam
i agree with Jack Straw that wearing the veil does hamper communication and trust. As a nurse i find it difficult to communicate with someone wearing the veil bacause i cannot see thier face. there's alot of non-verbal communication which i am unable to identify ie facial expression, and non-verbal communication is more important than verbal communication.l yes, they are free to wear what they want, and i would never say that they couldnt, but they must realise that it some situations it may cause difficulty. also the Koran does not say that women should cover thier face, it's their choice.

adrian Douglas-Ward
Yes ,removing the veil would improve comunity relations.Lets see the whole face of the person not just the eyes. What have they got to hide I hear people say.I often ask that question myself. Its part of their religion is not an acceptable answer as far as I am concerned.

Ibtisam
i am a nurse and i work with patients all the time, i disagree with Jack Straws views, Muslims dont wear the niqab to get attention nor are they trying to be difficult, they fear the punishment, and they want to please Allah (God) who created them.. what’s wrong with that? let me ask the question, do you all know why Muslims wear the niqab? do you know the history of Islam? if you did you wouldn’t question why or what they wear.

stacey
i disagree with Mother and daughter Faraha and Lutfun Ahmed because they say they fell they are attracting less attention but they are attracting more because people are wondering who is under there people feel unsafe but Mother and daughter Faraha and Lutfun Ahmed say they feel safe so who has more right?

anisha
jack straw is totally wrond. as muslims we follow the Quran in the quran it does not say that we should go ahead and kill people however it says that we should defend our religion.so wat's up with the exuse of the viels maening terrorist. Why did jack straw not say anything about the viels years ago?

anisah
I'm a 14 years old girl and i think it it absoloutly wrong to take off the viels. Jack straw is racist i mean he hasnot even got a good reason to tell us why we should take our viels off( by the way i just waer a hijab)

JOE EATON
How can a teacher in a school get the full attention of children when they cannot see her face,they need to see her own expressions to understand fully what she is trying to get across to these children. take the veil away please!

Katherine
why cant muslims respect our culture and beliefs? They must be doing this on purpopse as they know that we feel uncomforatble with it but comtinue to battle us. They cannot get upset when we oppose something that is different our culture.

Hannah
I think that people have felt like this for a long time and now people are just starting to voice their opinions more. I would personally like to see the womem not wearing the veil. In a way it frightens me not knowing who is behind it. If someone has been asked to remove it i think they should. it is worn with freewill and i dont think the muslim comunity should get upset when consequences have taken place when the women hasnt removed her veil when asked. If we were back in your country i would abide by what you felt, so as to avoid unnessasary offence but now when you are in a Christian counrty you insist on causing an uproar because people dont understand your religon or follow it.

yassar
in islam the prohet said every women should cover there self.

an lah
now, he's forcing women to take off their veils. that's ridiculous you noe how stupid it is? I hated it. It should be our choice, not his choice.

bendy (b3)
me ya think itz rude u now dem boyz n gals hav em choice him say itz no gud but me ya fink itz a gud idea 4 tha gals 2 cover em selfs up

Rabab Rafiq
Every person has the right to dress as they wish, you dont have to remove part of your clothes to communicate do you? - well Jack seems to think it will help him communicate - how about shortening your skirts girls? - then we'l see whose communicating verbally should I say or rather physically?

Tahmina
wel i fink dt we shud respect each uda'z opnions!!

rubina
It can be understood from jack's point of view why he wants women to stop wearing the veil because of secuity reason after 7/7 it has caused the society to live in fear, however, in respect to this some would argue jack' right, we need more protection and other issues involved, but as individual no one can not take that right away from you, as an individual you have a right of expression of what you do wear under article 10. Therefore, removing the veil would increase problems within the society, but this is not important, why do you fulfill other obligations before comming within this area of veils,???

Safiyyah Sayed
Removing or banning the veil wouldnt improve community relations. if anything, it would worsen it especially from the muslims themselves. being forced to remove my hijab (veil) would arouse extreme anger in me. A portion of the community, if not all, currently accept us muslim women wearing our hijab. Angering the muslim community would worsen the situation. removing veils wont improve community relations but accepting a person for who they are will definitely improve our relations. a person shouldn't be judged based on their belief. i currently began wearing the hijab after removing it for 2 months. in that period i lacked the feeling of pride that came with the hijab. i had been wearing the hijab for 6 years and it was a stupid mistake to remove it. force me to take off my hijab and ur in for a fight.

vimal
well i think that removing veils will improve community relations. it give boost to those who want to make friends also to those who eally want to get rid out of it. coz these days as we all know that everyone have rights to work free feel free and live freely as he/she wants.

veronica
i think the vail should be band if they dont like this law then go back to your country we live in a moderised country

james
i think that there is no point in wearing a veil because i dont see what is to hide, its rather stupid (sorry but just expressing myself)

Chander Satija
Yes I agree with Jack Straw's views.People are not inclined to talk with Women wearing the veil. Afterall no body knows whether she is a man or woman.The person beyond burqa could be a robber or even a terrorist, carrying weapon, who knows? There cann't be free interaction with other communities. How they work wearing a burqa? Our reflexes are restrained when our face is covered . Particularly we cann't drive if our face is covered. Prophet Mohammed just wanted women to be modest, wearing clothes which should not reveal certain sensitive parts of the body but there is specific mention of covering the face. And at teh time of Prophet Mohammed, there were lot of criminal, uncivilised tribes who used to kidnap beautiful women, but today time has changed. We should not follow the old practices and dogmas which lost its values due to neccesties of the present times. After all Allah or God canot have different moral values or instructions for the same human beings. In fact Allah doesnot see your body or what you wear or don't wear, but your heart or mind , how pure it is,does it has any love for the other living beings and consequently for the God . Afterall many millions muslim women donot wear burqa at all, that means, God would punish such women? How childish it would be to presume that. Then we should follow the laws of the land which you have chosen to live. That is also a part of Morality. Thanks. Chander Satija

lilia
as a muslim I can assure that the niqaab is an arabic tradition and not a muslim one at all.The inhabitants of the desert used to wear the niqaab to protect themselves from the sand and the sun.When they acknowledgee the Coran and were told to go abroad to spread it,all those who they got mixed with,thought that to be muslim was to dress like the Arabs.Those who think that when the prophete mohammed said "women cover yourselves" means put on the niqaab are wrong. No one has the right to go on boasting that they have fully understood the injunction of the prophet.

scott
Jack Straw is right, im not trying to offend the Muslims but in this community we dont wear veils we are mostly christians, if we lived over in Muslim countries they would make our women wear veils or cover their faces or they would put them in prison so why should england be different and let them do what they want?

Suzanne Nicklin
If amotorcyclist walks around with a helmet on a tries to enter a bank or shop they have to remove it so that their face can be seen and captured on CCTV. Whats the difference between that and a veil? I think France have got it right.

Carole
Personally, I believe that people should be able to wear whatever they prefer, so long as it is not offensive. A veil is not offensive. Maryam, however who posted before myself needs re-educating and should go back to school just to learn a good standard of written English. How embarrassing...

Brian
I think that Jack Straw is out of line in asking women to remove their veils. As a politician I'm sure he constantly talks with constituents on the phone and will never be able to see their face. So why is it that he has to see the face of a Muslim woman who comes to his office to speak with him? I have never had a conversation with a woman wearing a veil and I have to admit that at first I might be a little uneasy no knowing what her facial expressions are but that would be my problem not hers. It is a part of their religion and they should be free to express it as it does no harm to anyone else. There are times when wearing a veil would hinder other people. For example, the case of the school teacher who wanted to wear her veil. She was teaching a language and when learning a new language it is very important to be able to see the face, especially the mouth, of the teacher. So I feel that it was ok for her to be asked to remove her veil because it was hindering the children. However as long as it is not harming anyone else people should be able to express their beliefs however they want.

christine
I agree with Jack straw,how can you talk to a pair of eyes, this can be quite scary to children and elderly people, it comes across as impersonal, what happened to human contact and communication.

Arron Wilcox and Paul Tom Ward
The vail is a huge part of the muslim orign. We dont need it beacause it is not ppart of there religion, they are choosing to hide them selfs from the british public. You jhave already tried to ban hoods and caps from youngsters into shops beacause of the fear of theft. we can ban vails from shops and see wether the persons are hiding them selfs.

rehana
jack straw is out of his mind! every women who wears a head scarf or a full hijab then it is her choice. why should a lady be questioned? why should she be told to remove it if she hads worr it for a purpose.I myself wear a headscarf and if he said to me to take it of then i would just leave the building. why stay in such a place where what i wear is questioned. i am totally against his comments.It is just not right!

shireen
i disagree with jack straws views and whether women wear the veil or not, will not affect community relations at all. there are so many comments regarding the veil but people consider muslim women as being 'oppressed' and without a brain anyway so what difference does it make to british society if we choose to cover our faces? you consider us as outcasts! the real issue here is that we do not conform to the british way of life, that evolves around clubbing, pubbing, drugging, pornography, prostitution, gambling etc.. so the british media have a need to nitpick at everything the muslims do, just to portray this image that islam is a violent religion that breeds terrorists. sorry to disappoint you but islam is a religion of peace, the veil is not a mark of seperation, it doesnt segregate us from the community and no we are not terrorists. i dont see why people think they can have an opinion about the muslim way of life when none of you know anything about it...pick up a copy of the english quraan if you are that interested instead of being ignorant and having ridiculous theories/opinions. i wear the veil and have done so for the past 3 years, i will never take the veil off, its a part of me, my religion....the media can say whatever they want about islam, the veil etc but it only unites the muslims, its makes us stronger...keep that in mind. A point to think about...people say the veil creates fear as its a 'mask'...well do people like ozzy osbourne/ marilyn manson not create fear? are they considered as outcasts? how about the goths (no disrespect to them) or people who practise witchcraft? i dont see anyone having opinions about them and whether they improve community relations or not! jack straw, ignorant people like you shouldnt be in politics...its time to step down!

Meme
Veil and higab are both strict and I repeat strict moslem attire. I repeat strict because muslims debate wheather or not this is recommended in the Kuran. If Muslims feel Strongly about adhereing to their religion, they can't impose their looks and traditions on the West, especially that they don't approve of our traditions and Morals. It makes me beg the question, Why are they here? Why don't they live in their own countries, instead of using our own freedom and democracy to exploit our system. If we had to practise christianity in their own muslim countries, will their Muslim governments open for us Christian schools? Allow our kids to go to school without Veils? Or even allow us built church's. For god's sake, stop abusing our generous democracy, instead teach it to your governments.

Umar
It seems like a lot of you still don’t know what you’re talking about! What do you mean when you say "go back to your country" we were born here!! We have a right to wear what we want and if you cant except that then maybe you should move to a country where the hijab is banned (France)!!!

Bruce Foster
Is the issue even "Would removing veils improve community relations?" Aren't there some other issues that must be addressed before we start worrying about improving community relations? And anyway isn't that a two-way street? It's like multiculturalism, which quite often means in practice, that one community has to adjust but the other doesn't. And if the issue is the improvement of community relations, are we ever going to get around to what "the other side" should do to improve "community relations"?

Jay....birmingham
people, people, people, the whole nation has been fooled, and i put myself in that bracket... all this was pre- planned. Jack straw knew exactly what he was saying and what damage it was going to impose. THIS IS ALL A SMOKESCREEN! our attention has been diverted to veils in england, when realy the real attention has to be on affairs in places were illegal wars are taken place like iraq. Bush and beckett and blair for that matter have all admit this week to the fact that they have got it all wrong yet know one is talking about this? this is because our attention has been cleverly diverted to the veil issue. The labour goverment are a laughing stock..please dont let them fool u like they have to whole nation. This veil issue is all a smokescreen... and one last thing... Mr straw has come out with these farcical comments about the veil but the question i ask is ...WHY NOW??? i mean he has been in the same position for almost 10 years but ONLY NOW is he having problems with muslim women wearing the veil? why now? why not earlier in his 10 years of power? doesnt make any sense does it? jack... you have pulled the short straw mate.

Sophie
Im parted bewteen the two!! if someone told me not to wear a cross or not celebrate the birth of jesus i would be furious. We have no right telling people what they can and cannot wear....however if i was to live in a muslim country i would respect thier belief and culture and cover up myself (even though i know i would feel unconfortable) so maybe they should respect our culture and christain beliefs?!?!

May
I do not wish to cause offence to Muslims as I respect the religion greatly and I have tried to learn about it. On the subject of veils it would appear that modest covering of a woman’s body and head is correct, but it does not seem as if the face veil is required. I quote this: There are four sahih hadiths all dated after the revelation of both Surah al-Ahzab ayah 59 and Surah an-Nur ayah 31 that clearly show women in front of the Prophet (sAas) with unveiled faces and he allowed it. This must necessarily mean that Surah an-Nur ayah 31 is the final rule, since it is the ayah (verse or sentence of the Qu’ran) that allows display of the face and hands. Surely, what the Prophet (sAas) has allowed is the final rule of what is halal for Muslims. I know many Islamic women choose the face veil themselves but this is because of uncertainty over what is correct or not, the veiled ladies are 'playing safe' to protect their souls. I do not feel that God (Allah) plays tricks on mankind. He has given women beauty as a gift. He could have made them ugly; He chose not to. Beauty is a gift from God to brighten our lives, it is surely a wrong to reject or fear God's gifts. In giving women beauty, or in any of the beautiful things he has created God is not tricking us. It is said that the veil prevents men from being tempted but how can a man claim to have resisted temptation if he has never been exposed to it? The veil does restrict communication as the expressions on the veiled woman’s face cannot be seen. This isolates her. I am a woman who respects and likes my Muslim neighbours so I always talk to veiled (or unveiled) Muslim women as I would to any woman, Muslim or not, I greet them politely in the street but only a third of those wearing niqab respond. Does this indicate that by choosing the face veil these women do not wish to communicate?

raj saund
if i cant see you, why can you look at others freely?

Sereen Begum
I think he shouldv'e kept his opnions to himself. His comments have made so many people upset. At this time, the muslim community feels under constant attack. And if muslim women choose to wear nikab, I dont think it affects communication at all.

Twafik
I am a muslim with total adherhance to the maintainance for a respectable dress code, be it in men or women. Islam is known for true recognition of women rights and their conduct accordingly. Whilst most of us agree to freedom of choice, we need to be conversant with the true teachings. So I would urge anyone to look at Maulana Muhammad Ali's discussion on " the treatment of women in Islam"....www.islamic-book-depot.org.uk/bulletins/treatment-women-islam.htm Maasalaam

Sophia
I do not agree with jack straw's views,i am a muslim myself and wear the hijab not the veil, i do not agree women wearing the veil while working as this is a not a islamic country.If they want to wear the veil then they should keep their distance away from making contact, speaking, or putting themselves in a position where their ultimate freedom is violated. Because in essence this is what we have here and which are causing problems that we are seeing now. Wearing the veil while working prevents you from interacting with members of the public and employees, that's how it becomes a issue, but muslim women should be allowed to wear it privately and practice their religious beliefs in the uk. A woman wearing a veil shows she has respect for herself and dignity unlike some women out there.

Ehtishaam
IN my opinion Jack Straws comments were outrageous as Britain is all about freedom of speech and to do the will that you want do. There are different sides and different view of different people but in my opinion a person should be allowed to do what they want when they want. But it shouild only be banned in certain places such as schools and when meeting people with high authority

Thomas
I'm sorry, but I haven't the time to read all of what's written. But, outta this debate, I've one main question. This is, as christian, I know pretty well the bible, and I know that it's written not to shock other people. And if the muslim I've asked aren't wrong, muslims recognize the whole bible. Moreover, I really think Mr Strow have the right to say this. As muslims have the right to take this event like an occasion to explain their habits. And I think that we really have to stop being offended for anything somebody said, while so many people are dying. Thanks a lot.

Muntazir Al Mahdi
As Salaamun Aleykum. Being honest, these people are wasting their time and energy. Infact, it's good. We want more of these to come because it would only make the opposite changes in the Muslim world. Women in Islam are now actually fighting for it and those who didn't wear the veil are putting it on. Those who didn't know the importance of the Islamic Veil are getting educated way better. It's really good. Now the whole world knows how important the veil is for women not only in Islam but in every religion - Tanzania

amanpreet
i think that muslim women should take off veils. its alright waring a scarf just not the veil. if i was taught by a teacher wearing a veil i wouldn't like it.

Ali
I initially read about this in an American based newspaper (The Washington Post). After reading the article I was compelled to express my view. In my view it is astonishing that western culture sees Islam as being oppressive to women for even suggesting that they ware a veil. On the other hand, western culture does the same in reverse, by socially forcing women to unveil, when they choose to do so of their own accord. England, like America is a society where people are free to ware mostly anything that they want. Why are these people so disgusted with women who choose to wear a veil, while at the same time they don’t show disgust with women who dress in a way that exposes most of their body?

f
jack straw doesn't know the value of women in islam. if someone had a bag of gold, they'ld definitly keep it covered hidden and safe because it's a valuable thing, simmilarly islam would like to keep ALL women safe by keeping them covered, according islam women are priceless gems and need to be protected. this is the true reason behind the niqaab and i thank my teacher for teaching me all this!

dana
i think muslims shouldnt bable to were tha vail as we would respect them if we went to there country so y cnt they respect uz

Hafsa Hakeem
i was taught that if a woman has a job like a teacher or a nurse, where she works woth the public it isnt appropriate to wear a vace veil, but she shouldnt make her displayed body parts eg hands and face attractive. really, muslim women shouldnt get so offended, i dont, but if face veils are completely banned for example, then it would destroy the community. what about those who dont go to banks, and if they were going to visit someone?

Adeel
you guys are jokers...... people are dying and suffering and all you can think about is the veil. Jack Straw should be pointing his attention to a more important point like starvation in africa or WORLD PEACE...... Some peoplpe turn mole hills into a mountain. I dont agree with what Jack Straw said as people has the rigth to choose what they wear and the people who wear the Veil have my support. Jack Straw is porbably not the right person for the Job if he cant communicate. People have to put up with worser things than him... how do blind people communicate when they cant see? how do deaf people enjoy life without sound? Communication is about being able to understand one another through speech and not looks..... Kind of makes you think what is Jack Straw really looking at when women go to see him?????

kate
as youv'e said it's a free country so it's upto him if he wants to voice hsi opinion!

Simon B
i think that Muslim women shud b given the freedom of choice whether to wear the veil or not. I cannot see what it's got to do with Jack Straw Hair.

arslaan
muslims should be able to wear the veil as it is part of thier religion

S
Frances Clarke you must be stupid!! So what if this is England? God didn't say wear scarf and niqab in one country and not the other, it should be worn no matter what country it is, Muslim women are not supposed to wear it in front of men who are not related to them, thay are not supposed to display their beauty, it attracts unwanted attention!! You people understand now?

oldmanofcov
excuse me askimg:but what happens with passports,driving licences,etc.where photos and positive i.d. is required? queing in the post office is going to be fun!!

raj
i dont agree with jack straw... even though i'm sikh i still think its right for muslim women 2 wear veils & hijab. That's their religion and belief. And basically i think its wrong 4 Jack Straw 2 go against muslim beliefs!!! 15 f bham

JANE
IM WITH JACK STRAW DONT LET THIS JUST BE SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET WE NEED THIS DEBATE TO GO AHEAD

muslim
i have to agree with nathan every1s blowin it outta proportion (as usual when the word "muslim" comes into the news). for fellow muslims, well look its jak straws opinion he aint forcin ya to take of ur veil is he? we live in a free country n we can say wot we want. if it harms ur feelings, tough. stop makin a big deal outta everything

Lou
May i add that voicing your opinion as Jack did is NOT disrespectful..disrespectful is when you have people asking your local counsil office to take down a statue of a pig because they find it 'offensive'. Live in a Western country,accept Western rules!

Shazzy
The main argument being put across is that the veil stops communication. Yet everyone still manages to mention other methods of communication apart from facial expressions. Hmmm...see now I'm confused...does it or does it not stop communication? Is there only one way to communicate?

Lou
Ok so youths cant wear hoods or hats but muslims can wear veils?Um sound s a bit strange to me!I understand that these religious items of clothing may not be used for bad things,however there are a lot of innocent young people who wear hoods and hats for fashion. It's all a bit hypocritical if you ask me! What would the Government do if hoods and hats became a religious thing?! This is a western country, if visisting a mainly Muslim country women are forced to cover up, its law.So why should our country be any different? I'm sure there's an old saying that goes something like 'when in Rome....'

William Stunt
I feel that it would help people to accept Muslims more as an intergrated part of our society, at the moment i feel that Muslims issolate themselves, and issues like the veils only support that theory.

Faduma
I think Jack Straw is way out of order, in this day and age where there is already a fear of muslims (created by the government themselves) he shouldn't be making comments like that. Its like someone saying jews shouldn't wear their skull caps in the nazi age... theres a certain amount of consideration that should be used by government officials. The Burhka is a choice certain muslim women make... and i personaly think it takes a lot of courage for them to do so. I know a lot of women that wear burhka's and their all as nice and intellegent as the rest of the community. And to say that they should take it off is a breach of their human rights. And to top it off he set off a lot of racists that have been in hiding with this comment. My final word to Mr Straw and all those hypocrites out there, you all call England a free and multi-cultural country, and these people that came here out of fear from their own countries actually believed it when you said that. So either say you wanna be like all the other countries you pride yourself above, or behave like decent human beings and let people wear what they want to, without being two faced about it! Oh and PS, all you that are dumb enough to compare the hoodie to the burhka, i got one thing question for you... when in gods name was the hoodie worn for religous purposes??????

Peter
why hide your face unless you are ashamed of it, i understand commitment to religion but hiding who you are only makes it difficult for others to communicate with you

kabeer
i dont think so and this debate should come to an end because muslim women are following their religion

Gilly Singh
this is a no win situation, there are too many elemnts to consider, firstly, history, how many countires has the britsh empire invaded, enforcing its rights, laws, legislation, language, currency on countires around the globe? wheres was freedom then? africa? india? and now the middle east?? there is no doubt that some countires have prospered once the brits were kicked out but some have still not recoverd mainly african countries who are still paying the price via civil war due to british imperialism, similar situation in iraq where the reconstruction of the country after the invasion is something that was not planned in the same depth as the invasion. for those of you commenting about frances' attitude, well the french are hypocritical as can be, i dont remember the french authorities asking Manmohan Singh (indian prime minister) on his trip to france to sign a £6billion naval military deal to remove his turban before entering france, yet its an issue for sikhs and muslims to cover their hair as their hair as their religion requires. back to Straws comment, in some respects he is right and in some respects he is wrong, it all comes down to interpretation. the only way i think the veil can be an issue is identifying somebody, i.e. bus passes, driving licences, passports etc. but hey shouldnt the governments plans of issuing I.D. cards change that? then is doesnt matter whether muslim women wear veils or not as if someone has an issue identifying a veiled woman all she has to do is flip out her I.D. card which in theory should hold evrything up to her blood type on it!!!the flipside of the arguement is that if laws in muslim countries are so strict why are the brits so relaxed, and to be fair you can see the arguement there as well as OSE mentioned in previous comments. tourists in dubai/other arab countries "HAVE" to respect laws and cultures there........however, i dont know enough about islam to say whether women have,would,should or can wear a veil, only muslims can answer that, judging from the comments that too is subject to interpretation.

John
I am happy that the British public are allowed to have an opinion.Jack Straw should have done things differently.Whats the deal on public transport.Does the Bus Driver have the right to ask to see a persons face when presented with a bus pass ? Jack straws comments echo this when he said was that on a visit to him by a fully covered Muslin woman he would rather be able to see the whole face.The main point is that he has the right to request this and the person has the right to refuse.

Shagufta Yaqoob
I think if the women are not harmng anyone and never have done then whats the point? I mean how many incidences have you ever had in Uk where women wearing a veil are included? Normally women wearing a veil are very religious and only wear it for their happiness and for the religion and not to harm others. Come on this hasbeen going on for years and no one has questioned it before and its not like women wearing a veil wont talk to you inside they are normal people like everyone else. Its only their culture telling them to do te veil.

alan
Live in a country by choice then you accept its culture. My gran was a suffragette, what would she make of women being forced to hide their faces, force can be mental as well as physical.

jeff
we dont allow helmets or hoodies,so why allow this? they should respect the way we are.(uncover)

Nathan
Everyone is blowing the situation out of propotion,did Mr Straw say you HAVE TO take the veil off?no, Is it the womans choice to take it off?yes, Does Jack have the right to an opinion?yes. whats all the fuss about?

khan
straws comments were pathetic and for anyone who agrees with him.. it is certainly a time of ignorance.

Naz
"they can go back to countries where this form of dressing is acceptable"-Ose. 1)Most British Muslims were BORN here, so how can they go back,duh! 2) Can you please point out a statute/legislation where it says your not allowed to where the burqa.Until then women are allowed to wear the burqa, 'its a free country'. 3)

Sobia
i strongly disagree with Straw. i can understand veils are intimidating to others outside Islam ,however the wearing of such garments does not really affect others. but for the Islamic woman it makes a big difference. We should respect other beliefs and not mock them with bin-liner jokes. most of the anti-veil views are from people prejudiced against islam who cant stand muslims in 'their country' and are trying to isolate us from our religion and freedom

Margaret
There is talk of freedom of choice, where is freedom of speech? It is Jack Straw's opinion and he's entitle to that whether rightly or wrongly so. Hiding of the face could be seen as the hiding of a more sinister nature (males hiding from the Law ect.)- I personnally would prefer those wearing the veil to wear a more loosely fitting one that shows a little more of the upper features of the face.

L
I don't find women covering their faces intimidating, but I do find it unfriendly. Yes I have tried to speak to other mothers wearing the veil and no I haven't had a response - I've been effectively blanked. At least not a verbal response anyway - its impossible to tell if one of these ladies smiles or even if those with eyes covered are looking at you. Relationships and acquaintances start with a smile or a friendly look, a raising of eyebrows over something the children have done for example. Communication is not a one way process and wearing a veil puts the person not wearing one at a disadvantage. There has been no proposal that the veil should be banned. I don't believe that would ever happen here or that it should happen. But it is important that people think about the message they want the veil to give and what massage it is actually giving. In this society wearing the veil draws attention to you, rather than signalling modesty, as it might in a place where it is commonly worn. It can attract just as much attention as someone wearing too little! It might give the impression that you are 'proud' or suspicious of other people's intentions towards you and you don't want to be approached, especially by men (unless the wearer is a very outgoing and extrovert person, which might overcome such an impression). There has been a long struggle for equality and you shouldn't be surprised if some people react with shock and disappointment at seeing a woman in a veil, although I'm sure its their own choice to wear it in most cases. Its not an unreasonable reaction to have in the circumstances. It is many hundreds of years since women in this country commonly wore veils and it is associated in people's minds with the oppression of women for lots of good reasons.

Halima
Muslim women should be allowed to wear the face veil (nikab). I've worked with a veiled woman in the past; my non-Muslim colleagues had no problem with her wearing the veil. I believe wearing the veil is a form of modesty and Muslim women who choose to wear the nikab should carry on wearing it. Jack Straw should really take personal belief into consideration!

Ose
i absolutely agree with Jack. Can i wear a mini skirt with a spagetti stripped top in Saudi Arabia or Iraq or Iran etc. This is a western country and if the moslem women feel they are not comfortable with removing their veils, they can go back to countries where this form of dressing is acceptable

Flo
I have no problem with women covering their head, but I think it will be good for women to expose their face for effective communication.

Naheda
I forgot to add this to my previous email: We talk about segregation and seperation. Hillarious! Try coming to certain parts of Birmingha, where muslims/asian are deliberately being ghettosised in certain areas. Why dont you do something about that JAck Straww and than come and than come and tell me that integration cannot take place because of the veil because than I might believe you as you've attempted to do something about the fact that approxmiately 90% muslims/asians in one area and 90% non muslims/asians in another area. Theres some conspiracy going on here all right! People are being manipulated, as i travel through b'ham I find that immigrants are placed much much more in certain areas than in others, why? Wheres the integration in that? Thats obvous segregation. And than of course the government would reply something like 'we feel it would be better for immigrants to be with their own 'kind'-oh, I'm sorry, but what happened to all this segregation talk and people not mixing> You deliberately place people of certain background, ethnicity, colour in certain areas and than you have the nerve to talk about segregation???? Those who find muslim women in veils intimidating: it all comes down to experience. There are many non muslims here, and you can read their posts, who have postive experiences and than there are those who haven't, above all there are those who have NO experience whatsoever! theyv never attempted to say 'hello' to a woman in a veil and therefore they have no right to make assumptions and accusations! So it comes down to indivual experiences and differences but we cant let our own hidden personal agendas erode away the liberties of others when if the situation was received we would be outraged! The stench of hypocrisy makes me sick! What I will say to muslim in veil is that you need to do to as much as you can to let others know you're not their to intimidate them, bridge the gap, reach out. Let them know you dont randomly wake up one morning and say 'right, today I'll wear the veil and try to intimidate as many people as possible and i have a tick chart here to mark my progress!' !!

Michael
I think Jack straw may have the right to say that , but he just said it in the wrong way. But to be fair it is not a must to cover your face only to cover your hair , so sometimes it is better to talk to someone that you can see. But if you still want to cover your face I support that 100 percent.

Alisha Z
I think Jack Straw is quite right.Though it is a personal matter to choose what to wear how could a police identify a suspected criminal if he or she wears the veil.To cover one's face deprives freedom and of course uncivilised way. UK indeed should follow the French way and apply it.

Ose
i absolutely agree with Jack. Can i wear a mini skirt with a spagetti stripped top in Saudi Arabia or Iraq or Iran etc. This is a western country and if the moslem women feel they are not comfortable with removing their veils, they can go back to countries where this form of dressing is acceptable

M
I agree with Jack Straw. It makes communication with other parents (who are wearing veils) at my son's school impossible.

sika
I don't think everyone should pick on Jack Straw's views. Beacause in actual fact every one has the right to wear anything but not when it's starting to poose danger to the public. For instance I mistakingly showed my duaghters bus pass instead of mine and the driver detected it was not me and i had to get out the right one. and some one in the "niqaab flashes her bus pass at the driver and he let her in without seeing the face of the peron. You walk in the bank and the same thing. I do respect muslim religion but i think the veil issue should be considered, i do agree with Jack Straw.

Naheda
The theory that muslim women are 'forced' or 'pressured' to wear to wear a veil has become a cliche now. Its not like that. Contrary to popular belief, muslim women have a choice. Of course there are minorities who might be coerced into wearing the veil, but this is not the true nature of Islam. Muslim women do not wear the viel to intimidate. Those people who say that you find it threatening- well the problem isnt the veil it? its not external, its within yourself. You've got to ask yourself why YOU find it threatening because that is not the intenion of Muslim women. Some even have the audacity to compare the veil to the 'hoodies': there are obvious differences here: the intention behind the hood is to deliberately intimidate, thats not the intention of the veil, the hood has become a fashion statement amongst angst-full teenagers, the veil for the muslim is not a fashion statement, its a sign of modesty and if its this amazing fashion item it kind of beats the purpose. There is an irony here: we live in a country which promotes freedom of the individual, we're always hearing on the T.V how this country is multi-cultural etc. etc. and yet as I read some of the posts here such as 'when in rome do like the romans' 'you have to adapt to the rules' I realise this is anything but true. Last night I heard on the ITV news someone make a statment along the lines 'you live in our country...you should follow our rules...' Our country? So muslims are born here, educated here, pay taxes here, and yet it is 'our country'? They are outsiders? As Salam Yaqoob points out, we have to question the timing of all this. As for those muslim women who say that women in vei are intimidating and unapproachable: SHAME ON YOU! Once again this is within you, whether they are wearing the veil or not, you will always have this problem. When I was younger I had this problem too, but only to realise later that the reason I find them intimidating was because I felt guilty and I was ashamed that here were people following their religion to the best of thier ablities and here I was following a half-baked Islam, completely absorbed in my material world. And if you're honest, this is the case for most of us. The reason we find them threatening and intimidating is because we cant comprehend how people can just abandon and control their world desires. Whats so special about them? How come they are able to do it and I can't? Jack Straww has every right to say what he wants, freedom of speech, the problem arises when we blur freedom with dictation. If we ban the veil, what next? The logical conclusion would be the head scarf next, or the Sikhs turban-I find that initmidating so to quote others 'why one set of rules for one and another for others'? We all find different things intimidating and threatening, people in suits intimidate me-what will we do about that? The list is endless! There is a subtext going on here, its not the veil, its something else. And excuse the sarcasm but-YES! my god, you hear everyday on the news dont you-a muslim veiled women turns out to be bank robber, rapist, etc. To this day I have never heard any social or crime related problems such as the excuse people are giving now (bank robber, rapist, accidents) if this is one of the reasoons-since it has never been a problem before, and now with the advancment of society and modern technology why should it be a problem now? I'm sorry but the insinuation that a rapist or bank robber would put on a veil before he commits the crime is HILLARIOUS! 'oh hang on, let me just put this on' he digs into his bad and out comes a black veil, he ties it around his head, covers his face and turns to his goons: 'action time'. he he he. i was in a bad mood but just that image has cheered me up! So thanks everyone!

Paul
A part of the communication between people is reading facial expressions, not just the words people speak. So clearly, it makes communication poorer. Plus, in Britain, we're not likely to jump on someone just because we can see their face; I resent the implication that I cannot control myself in this situation.

laura
i agree with jack straw if british people are told they can not wear hoodies why should other culters get away with it. i am a british citizen born and bread and proud. if they want to stay in our country they should follow our rules. france has done this sucessfully. if they want to be british they should accept these terms

Rachel
The more alarming issue is that an elected representative says he can't communicate with the people he's elected to represent on their own terms! That's grounds for dismissal, just plain incompetence! I suggest he step down and let someone else who is comfortable speaking to people regardless of their clothing do the job. * If you follow his argument then surely Blunkett should also be out of a job as he can't see people's faces! * Elected representatives have an obligation to overcome barriers to communication and become true representatives of all members of their constituency, regardless of their dress, culture, disability or language.

SJ
i agree 12 months ago i had a brain tumour which needed surgery so to hide my scars and i was made by a surcurity guard to remove it which upset me and i am angry that the are allowed to wear them in the shops and have nothing said to them

L
I think its bad manners really to cover your face and expect other people to interact with you. I have no problem with women covering the hair or wearing long robes, but I think its rude to others to cover your face. How could you say Good Morning to a neighbour for example who has their face covered? Its like they don't even want to acknowledge your presence and I'm afraid that does feel a bit offensive.

Tracey
Although I do not have find their faith or religion threatening - I do tend to worry that the may not be so innocent behind the veil. It could be anyone - a rapist/mugger/murderer/kidnapper/theif/robber..... Who knows??

chrissy
yes i do agree with jack straw.I.m a british citizen born and bred in lancashire. i feel intimitated with these people wearing veils. they are trying to ban people wearing hoodies because they are threating. which i agree you can,t have a rule for one and not for another . if we were in there country we would have to obey there rules so why can,t they do the same in our country.we are to soft for our own good we just sit back and let people do what ever chrissy

bhavna dhorajia
I agree with jack straw, i work in a university and i see lot of muslim girls with veils when they come to our finance office and outside, i feel very uncomfortable to talk to them. I get lot of other students as well but when i see these girls, you don't know who is behind the veil. its very annoying. so i strongly think the veils should be removed.

Stan 833
When communicating, the way you look can at times be more important than what you are actually saying. The old precept of "When in Rome , do as the Romans" puts the whole situation in a nutshell. By wearing the veil you are sending all the wrong signals,so do not be surprised at peoples reactions

M.P.
I agree with "Ani n Jos". It's not a requirement to cover your face as a Muslim woman. I think it's more of a personal choice. Though it is obligatory for Muslim women to wear a headscarf according to the Quran. I believe that if you choose to live in a western culture, being aware of it's requirements, you have to adapt to the rules just like others. If you're so into wearing a veil, you can go live in a place where it's common and accepted. It doesn't seem fair to me that some people want to have both the previllages of living in a western country and following "extremes" that they believe are part of Islam. I live in a Muslim country, and even over here, wearing veils are not commom and/or popular. However, I do believe people should be free to wear whatever they want. Whether it's a veil or a headscarf. But "if" and only "if" national security and identification is concerned, I think you have to obey by the same rules as others. If you don't find that fair, then move to some other place in the world. A muslim country for instance. The fact that Jack Straw has made such comments doesn't seem a violation to democracy to me, but if he takes action agaist individuals' religious beliefs and requirements, I think it will be in contrast with what Britain stands for, as a democratic country. In my opinion Hijab is supposed to protect women from men's gaze. It's supposed to prevent women from drawing attention to their looks (which women tend to do, naturally). If you're living in a country where wearing it will increase the possibility of attracting hostile attitudes, or it drwas attention to you, just because you're different (not necessarily because you're more attractive than others!)I don't see any strong reason why you should wear it. But of course, this is my interpretation of an Islamic requirement. Others may have different viewpoints, which I totally respect. Personally, I wear the headscarf, and I believe in wearing it, but not the veil.

Alison
In Muslim countries, Western women are not allowed to wear their customary clothing. They have to "shroud" themselves. Muslims should appreciate the respect and freedom they have in this country and not look for any special treatment. Wear your veil, but take it off when it is appropriate. This is NOT Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, etc. This is England! We are proud of our heritage. Give us equal respect if you want equal respect. There is a growing unrest about the total foreignness of Muslims in this country.

you are what you wear?
Of course - how many women actually wear the veil in public? In 2006 in modern day Britain why the need to prove a point and wear these religious garments when they look so dark and ridiculous - as though these women are ashamed to show they are actually intelligent wonderful females with a sense of style!!Maybe a new colour could be worn for each day of the week to spice up their wardrobe, or does it say that only black must be worn!Are we back in the dark ages!These clothes can not be hygienic to wear - unless they are easy to wash and dry daily! And what is underneath!! They do not look aestheticallly pleasing to a modern fashion conscious society-although reduce the need for hair do's and make up. Not socially acceptable as far as I am concerned -although in a multi faith society it seems there is no place for a tv presenter to wear a cross around her neck - a small emblem associated with belief in Christianity - or just a piece of jewellery ? Religion is responsible for most of our problems on earth - due to human error. I agree with Jack Straw -integration can not take place with such obvious signs of segregation -based on ancient laws - which should surely be updated -to prevent further confusion - as most of society has indeed moved on!!

Seth
I particularly don't see anything wrong with what Mr Straw said. I mean let's face the facts; how many times do we see those women interacting effectively with non-muslims? This is something most people don't feel ok about but haven't got the courage to say it. I wanna find out how the bus drivers are able to identify whether those ladies are holding the right bus passes.

akil
i think they should wear it what do you no keep to ur own religeon

Sasha
A number of people commenting have hit upon the important issue of identity. As a society riddled with people seeking to do most law-abiding citizens some harm, we rely on identification as a key means of the pursuance of law and order. My religion does not require me to dress in a way which interferes with the protection of the majority. I was in a bank a while ago and was amazed that a gentleman had to remove his motorcycle helmet, yet two unidentifiable people were allowed to walk in with their faces covered by their veils. Come on banks and businesses..are you happy to allow hoodies, bikers, armed robbers, or skiers in with any attire in which they feel comfortable? I don't feel particularly threatened by people wearing "socially incompatible" attire, just a sense that this is one step further towards the abolition of Britain. Great people gave their lives to protect this great land..and I don't think they did it so that their children and grandchildren would squander that freedom by being soft on speaking their opinions. I'd never support Labour in a million years, but Mr Straw speaks for the vast majority of voters. Those who can remember Germany in the 1930s may see some similar hallmarks appearing...so think on before you try to expect the indiginous population to show tolerance...it works both ways...and God forbid we play into the hands of the extremists. Britain has shown tolerance...the minority groups should not take that for granted.

Zainub
I think its a bit silly of Jack Straw to say something like that, especially with whats already going on with the name of Islam in the world. Hes already angered so many muslims, who wrongly then create riots and violent protests, adding to the confusion of those people who are still trying to understand the religion. If you could just read what Anjum (above on this page) says, about miniskirts, then maybe itll make sense why muslim ladies shouldnt be told to remove their veils. Now the ones walking around in the public will feel uncomfortable as the comments about their veils are made so common. Everyone had a differnt degree of modesty. Someone wearing a veil, feels comfortable doing so. Someone wearing a bikini and walking around in the street, what about them? Should we ask them to go put more clothes on? People talking that person would feel extermely uncomfortable. Wearign that sort of clothing is a type of extreme, as is the veil. And culd someone please explain exactly WHAT national identity does england have? Give some examples... and besides, youll find that not even 50% of muslim women in england alone wear veils on their faces. Its a personal choice, and as I said before, it depends on your degree of modesty. If some have any at all.

ANONYMOUS
i am an 18 yr muslim woman and i wear the FULL hijab, out of my own FREE WILL. i find Mr Straws comment extremely rude and pathetic!!!! not to mention insulting! whatever happened to freedom of choice, expression and dress? nobody seems to have a problem with a woman walking down the street half naked! then why should they have a problem with one who chooses to cover herself, with dignity and self respect! and as for those of you who think its not a female under the veil, which dearranged man whould wear a veil and pose as a woman?!?! i dont know any men who would, do you? i would never, take of my veil, i have worn it through my own choice and people should respect that! its a matter of religion and i dont think anyone, led alone Jack Straw, has a right to command me in it! its between me and my God.

shabnam
No, i feel it should be up to the individual on how they choose to dress,I can understand why he would state that but he should understand the implications as now after his statement there has been racial attacks which i feel is unfair to the muslim society.