Julie Blackett-17354921 Class Writing Task #2

Wednesday 4-6pm

Libert, Egalitde Fministes! Revealing the Burqa as a Pro-Choice Issue Amanda Knief Kniefs article looks at the various sides of the burqa debate. Knief, an attorney and cofounder of Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, makes the point that while the proposed legislation in various countries is to prohibit a person from wearing a facial covering that hides their identity in public places, it actually targets Muslim women as there are a number of exemptions including motorcycle helmets. One argument that has been used for this is the supposed oppression of Muslim women by being forced to wear the burqa or niqab. This assumes that these women are incapable of making intelligent choices. While the burqa has been used as a tool of oppression and still is, the proposed laws dont really address this issue. The bans would in effect criminalize the behaviour of the victims it is supposed to protect. Although the punishment for those forcing women or girls to wear facial covering is more severe, the ability to enforce this has not been tested. It would depend upon statements by the victim, similar to domestic violence. Knief states that the reactions of Muslim women also should be considered. Based upon some early examples, there could be a backlash within the Muslim community. While Knief argues that the proposed laws are aimed at banning the burqa as the current slogan suggests, there is a legitimate argument for the law to prohibit facial coverings that hide a persons identity. There are specific situations that require identity checks, for instance, entering a secure government building, when using credit cards or getting a drivers license. In these situations, female officer should be
SID: 17354921 Page 1

provided to respect religious practices. Although I agree with this argument, I believe that those who object to this ban on the basis that it targets Muslim women should perhaps look at the exemptions and getting those removed instead, so the law will truly be equal for all. On the other hand, the argument that this legislation will protect Muslim women from oppression does not look at the full picture. While there are those that are forced to wear facial coverings, there are also many who are not and have made the choice to do so. As Knief states, the responsibility of government and society is only to ensure that women have the freedom and education to make these choices for themselves. Something that is rarely considered is that Muslim clothing traditions are not consistent-the Koran states that women should dress modestly; this however is open to interpretation. The presumption among many Western non-Muslims is that wearing burqa or niqab cannot be the womens choice but is always a patriarchal imposition. This overlooks the opinion of these women which has been seen in some examples in Europe. While I dont think that Australia should ban the burqa, I do think that any legislation passed on the issue of facial covering in public places, should not exclude religious coverings. However, if it is a religious belief, provisions can and should be made where possible-for example, having females confirm the identity of Muslim women. Otherwise, I believe that Muslim women, like everyone, deserve the right to decide what they wear, for whatever reason. Clothing is a personal choice that should not be restricted or regulated by the government more than necessary for security purposes.

SID: 17354921

Page 2

Reference: Amanda Knief, Libert, Egalitde Fministes! Revealing the Burqa as a Pro-Choice Issue. The Humanist, September/October 2010. http://thehumanist.org/september-october-2010/liberte-egalite%E2%80%94defeministes-revealing-the-burqa-as-a-pro-choice-issue/

Word Count: 548

SID: 17354921

Page 3