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Should burkas be banned in the UK?

Boris Johnson MP recently divided opinion - drawing condemnation from the Prime Minister and provoking a disciplinary investigation by his Conservative Party - for controversial remarks about Muslim women who wear burkas/burqas. Though he did not advocate a ban, his comments have reignited the debate following bans on the full-face-and-body coverings becoming law in countries including France, Belgium, and Denmark. This conversation looks at whether similar prohibitions should be introduced in the UK. It operates on the basis that women are making a free choice when wearing burkas, and are not forced to be doing so - something which all parties would reject.

Yes: burkas should be banned

Burkas are a tool of repression and a threat to national security.

Burka wearing normalizes dominance of women

New(er) cultures should adapt to existing customs

Safety concerns should be prioritised

Islam does not require a burka

Y/N: They should be banned but only in a limited way

In a secular society, burkas should be prohibited from government buildings. They should also be banned from places where security could be a concern.

The government is secular

Ski masks and helmets are also banned in some locations

No: burkas should not be banned

A ban would infringe civil liberties, inflame tensions and would be impractical to enforce.

Personal liberty should be prioritised

Prevents dialogue

A Barrier to Integration

An anti-Muslim environment

A Discriminatory Law

A burka ban is excessive relative to its object
This page was last edited on Tuesday, 4 Sep 2018 at 22:53 UTC