Do you agree with calls that muslims in Australia should remove their head wear?

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cricketnutoz

Another shock jock who just wants to make a name for himself. Well, he has ... a bad, bigoted name and he has shamed our wonderful country into the bargain.

...

Yes.

In some countries; we have to change the way we dress to suit them. It should be the same.

ellegee3012

YES definately
when in Australia do as Aussies do
Even the police and helmet-wearing bike riders have to remove their head gear when entering a bank etc.
One rule for everyone.

Future Eagles Mummy!!

only in cases where identity is required to be verified. Like drivers licences or passports.

ALTHOUGH having worked in the finance industry for 16 years, some of it as a front line teller, we did request that motorcycle helmets be removed before entering the bank. Should the headware be treated any differently?? I guess it would be easy for some nutter (and by that I DO NOT mean a muslim) to dress in the traditional gear and hold up banks etc.

It is a very tricky situation as I don't believe we should stamp all over peoples civil rights, but at the same time, no matter what your religion, here in Australia you must conform to the law. our laws here are not dictated by religion so ........ Now I am just confusing myself by thinking about it too much.

rustupd

yes

it can be looked upon as a disguise when in shops/banks & public buildings when wearing it

aflumpire

Yes, I think they should.

A woman could just go straight into a bank, bottle shop, suppermarket, anywhere and hide their identity.

If we go to their country, then we must respect their beliefs and women must wear some form of head wear, no matter what religion you believe in. Thats fair enough.

But when they come here, Australia - no matter how 'multicultral' we are, we should be forceful and up hold our Christian laws and say, no; sorry, you cant wear that here.

The Islamics wanted Polygamy to be lagalized!!! now tell me, in this country which has laws based on Christianity, why should Islamic laws and beliefs overide the laws that we have to abide. Motorcyclists must take off their helmet, so why cant these Islamics do that same?

Mel

Yes, if they want to live in Australia then they should act/dress/speak/etc, the same way as everyone else. If they want to wear it in their own home or at church that's fine.

I do think the different head wear makes a difference though, there is some that show only their eyes, I think that is rather unsafe and it would make me uncomfortable not to be able to see who I'm talking too. If it only covers their hair, that's a bit more acceptable.

I mean why do they bother moving to Australia if they want to live EXACTLY as they did in their home country. If you don't respect our laws and custom then don't come here.

If we holiday in other countries we must respect their customs and laws, such as covering-up, no public displays of affection, etc.. those that don't get imprisoned.

kieryn

yes because our cultures are alot different than theres but more importantly they should learn english before even coming to australia

oldemystic

As one muslm lady in a burka said turning to another in a burka:
"Does my bomb look too big in this?"

(Before the politically correct brigade get into me, this was a joke going the rounds when Fred Nile, radical christian, suggested the banning of burkas a few years ago because they could conceal bombs. Funny though isn't it.)

Ozmaniac

He didn't call for them to remove their face coverings anywhere except where it's a possible security risk for people to have their faces covered.

Motorcyclists have to remove their full face helmets in banks and similar places and no one else should be allowed to enter the same places with their faces covered.

A full burkha with face covering would be a brilliant disguise for a bank robber and this would put bank employees and customers at risk.

He wasn't suggesting that genuine muslim women were bank robbers or terrorists and anyone who says otherwise obviously doesn't know the facts and hasn't thought about the disguise possibilities of such an outfit.

This whole stupid religious freedom thing is out of hand when someone can't make a sensible suggestion without being crucified by idiots who leap to the defence of the indefensible

Deb

Why not. The rest of us have to remove any and all headgear if we walk into a government building or bank and that is after all what he (the radio announcer) was talking about. I wouldn't be able to wear a bike helmet, ski mask or balaclava into a bank without being pounced on by a security guard or asked to remove it. When are people going to realise, If you want to live here its one set of rules and laws for everyone.

Edit: and to rialisi who made the ridiculous comparison about jewish ladies removing their wigs, grow up! a wig doesn't obscure your face, so its not even relevant.

OzNana

Personally, I don't really care about the head wear thing one way or the other, but would offer the following comments.

I think it is very difficult for a women in a full burqha to see well enough to drive. And I do see ladies doing this in my area. I am not speaking about a little hijab here, I am talking about the full monty, with just a little grill for the eyes.

I understand why people argue that motorcyclists have to remove their helmets in a bank. I have been a motorcyclist myself. However, what would be really interesting would be to look at the crime stats, and security video footage of robberies etc, and see how many instances there were of a) people wearing hoodies (a very lot) b) a motorcycle helmet (quite a few) and c) a burqha (I would doubt that there were very many). So I think the security argument against Islamic head wear lacks much supporting evidence.

When I was at school, many, many years ago we all had to wear a uniform. We were not allowed to wear any jewellery, and that included crosses, crucifixes and stars of David. I notice schools around here have often got an adaptation for muslim girls, and that is probably good and respectful.

Most of the people wearing religious garments in my area were born here. It is a personal decision.

What I am against is where one group of people think their religion is the only one and better than anyone else's or where they think a particular country should be wiped out (see Amadinejad, Iran on the State of Israel).

We should all live in the here and now and try to get along better with each other. Headgear such as headscarves and burqha's are not really suitable in a hot country like Australia. I watch the lady in my local kebab shop struggling, full head gear and floor length skirts, with the cooking when its (this week) 43 degrees outside, never mind in her shop near the ovens. It is not practical. God doesn't care if you have a scarf on or wear a wig. And frankly, the sight of a Muslim or Jewish woman's hair is simply not going to inflame the local male population.

It's time we all took a long and sensible look at these ancient documents and just extracted what the real message is. Then if we are left with a religion that says its OK to kill, harm, or disrespect other people for any reason, revenge or whatever, get rid of it. It's not appropriate for intelligent people.

But having said all that, it's a personal decision. If banks want to ban hoodies, helmets and anything else that covers the face, then I think they are within their rights. No -one makes us go in them after all. Pubs are allowed to refuse to serve customers they think are a danger to themselves or anyone else. Change your bank if you don't like their policy. Don't shop at their store if you don't like their ideology. I don't buy Sanitarium breakfast cereals because I don't support the beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventists who make them. That's how it works folks.

Kisskiss

yes, isn't safety and security more important than religion.

fruitsalad

No, why should they? They can wear whatever they choose - that's the beauty of living in a wonderful country like Australia.

Donkey Dick

Yes - of course they should be banned.

An Australian can't enter a business premises wearing a full motor cycle helmet (i.e. a service station after purchasing fuel). S/he can't enter an airport terminal with one on; a bank; a police station....the list goes on....

But a MUSLIM woman can go where she likes, in Australia, rugged up like a cocoon. By allowing them to do as they please - in the name of religion - smacks of racism in reverse.

But that's what I expect, more & more, these days.

Ranjeeh D

No, there should not be compulsion under normal circumstances, but where safety or health are involved yes. In time the habit will disappear as they themselves realise what a misguided impost it is on the female.

In many educated Arab countries its already being recognised as ludicrous.

Power Flower

And yet noone would dare suggest the Jewish ladies remove their wigs.... I'm proud that Australia is a country where people can dress however the hell they want, it's ridiculous for a radio personality to be making calls like that.

Giffy

You people make me sick.
What happened to freedom of rights?
Wearing a hijab or a burqua is a decision made by an individual and others should stop passing judgements on them because of that.

FFS what's with the names?

EDIT: Many Muslim people are not immigrants, they are third and fourth generation Australians. They ARE doing as the Australians (them and their families) do!!!

ISKANDAR: Australia is NOT a secular state. We DO have a state religion, the Anglican religion (Church of England, of which our Queen is the Head). Almost every Parliament and Council meeting in this country begins with a prayer every time they meet.

~*~*~*~

No, of course not. It's a stupid and bigotted thing to say, said by a stupid and bigotted person.

Qld retailers would do well to distance themselves from this as fast as they can.

Cheers :-)

Iskandar

no of course not.

But I do understand what he is trying to say, he isn't be racist or discriminating against them. He explained it all on 'A current affair'. Muslims should just have to abide by the laws that the rest of us have to. AUSTRALIA IS A NON SECULAR COUNTRY WITH NO STATE RELIGION, PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE EXEMPT FROM LAWS THAT THE REST OF US OBEY BECAUSE OF RELIGION. LAWS SHOULD NOT BE BUILT TO APPEASE ANY RELIGIOUS GROUP, WHETHER THAT BE CHRISTIANS, JEWS, MUSLIMS OR BUDDHISTS..

If that means when you walk into a bank and you aren't allowed to cover your face, then they should have to abide by that law as well. Just because it's their religion not do, in Australia isn't a good enough excuse.

He is a genuine guy that isn't racist, just realist. (if that's a word)

EDIT: you people answering and saying "no it's discrimination no no no" well the guy that asked the question didn't explain the situation. If you watched 'A current affair" you would see the entire story and you would agree with the guy. he isn't talking about saying they shouldn't be allowed to wear their veils everywhere, just places where security is an issue. People with motorcycles aren't allowed to walk in to banks with their helmets on, muslims with veils are no different because we don't have a state religion.

If wearing motorcycle helmets was part of a religion, would people all fo a sudden be able to wear them into banks? No of course not, it's not discrimination because of their religion solely, it's just being practical.

Jenny you are a moron: it's not about saying "muslims shouldn't wear this because they could be hiding a bomb under there because all terrorists are muslims" no, its about some non Muslim guy dressing up in this and holding up a bank. Exactly the same as some criminal who doesn't ride motorcycles coming off the street, putting a helmet on and robbing a bank.

Half of you people answering don't even know the context in which he said it... answering this question it may seem like the guy is racist, but you have to see the circumstances. He wasn't talking bout having to remove anything, only in banks for security.

cc_of_0z

No.

It wasn't that long ago that here in Australia you had to completely cover up when going to the beach. It's a bit much to expect people coming from an extremely conservative society to throw away centuries of tradition and values just because we might feel a bit uncomfortable with their choices. We would jump up and down in indignation if they demanded that we covered up what they might consider to be indecent clothing and what we consider to be just summer clothing. Tolerance is a two way street. If you expect to be treated with respect, then you have to offer it too.

People should also be aware that there are religious considerations that go along with their garments. Demanding Muslims remove their head gear is tantamount to demanding the Christians not wear crosses around their necks or that nuns and priests not wear the clothing unique to their faiths either. People need to quit being so shallow and just accept people for who they are and not what they want them to be. In this country we call that giving someone "a fair go". Perhaps that's a part of Australian culture that Australians need to consider more.

Note: As for security Identification, how hard is it for Banks to provide a private room where someone with say a turban or some other head veil could be identified with the minimum of inconvenience. Muslims must have a way to get around the ID situation since they had to have a passport photo taken in order to enter the country in the first place. So take the same precautions when doing IDs for banks, airports or whatever. This should be a no brainer.

Simple

No, because its not fair. We are all human, and shall have equal rights.

Alana Lama -Go Eagles-

No. But i think that immigrants should merge with Australian culture and lifestyles instead of staying segregated.

LEO

NO im a muslim with head wear in sydney and its not fair we are free like other people why do you want this???

Tswi

Not understand, why only muslims ? That stinking old camelfarmers can keep wearing their filthy old leather hat ?

ll_jenny_ll here

No I don't .. I think it's a disgusting display of ignorance and arrogance.....
It is making an assumption that MOST muslims have something to hide or are terrorists waiting for a time to launch an attack.....NOW some people will say that in the world's current clime... that MOST terrorists ARE muslim.....

Hmmm well my argument BACK to that would be .. AND MOST RAPISTS ARE MEN .. so ... should we act in a preventive method and chemically castrate ALL men .. JUST IN CASE one of them decides to commit the crime of rape.... ???

Of course what I suggested is ridiculous .. .BUT think about it ... Why is it any different to *preventative action* against Muslims.????

I am a moron because I DO NOT watch " A current Affair" .. a commercial television station whose content is largely self promotion for other shows on the Nine network .. OH wonderful and wise person who refered to me as such .. I APPOLOGISE for my ignorance.. and ( the NOT SO BASELESS) assumption that this was all about the current anti-muslim B/S that is going on around the world..
Perhaps I might also consider those that watch ACA on a regular basis as being somewhat Moronic.. BUT hey .. THAT'S only MY opinion ... ain't it???

AND PRAY TELL how are we to know the context the question is being asked in IF IT ISN'T EXPLAINED FULLY ... I am SURE you know the ifs and buts of many things others don't ... JUST as they know the IF's and Buts of OTHER things that YOU DON'T .. for Pete sake .. what a narrow train of thought you have...

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