Once Again.... If You Don't Like France...

[Jacob(smooth)]

That's true. But I would offer that if what troubles us is the element of coercion or compulsion then the way to approach it is to deal with element of coercion or compulsion.

The issue for me is freedom. By compelling them to NOT do something it seems to me we are impinging their freedom as much as people who would force them. That's not empowerment. That's just expecting people to do what we want instead of what some other group wants.

I am having a difficult time imagining a practical way of dealing with the coercive side of the issue. I also don't like the inherent limitation of liberty for some, but that's why the situation presents a dilemma; there are no ideal solutions. The freedom loving side of me hates admitting that I can accept limiting certain freedoms if it also means that to some extent we can mitigate the oppression of others.

Without more considered thought on the matter I can summarize my position by stating I prioritize higher someone's right to not wear identity concealing clothes before considering someone's right to wear it because we know the coercion exists. If the coercion did not exist I would explicitly agree with your conclusion regarding a law that would then only serve to limit a choice.

I can appreciate the argument. Slippery slop though. People are coerced to do all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons. Sex springs to mind. Banning the people who do it voluntarily to prevent the people who don't seems a very crude way of doing it. And bear in mind that these are adults we're talking about.

My mind returns to that saying about those who would surrender a little liberty for a little security. There are ALWAYS good reasons for impinging personal and religious freedoms. As a rule, history remembers these reasons without much sympathy.

Good grief! IF I was to land in Qatar or any other "muslim" dominated country where it is law for me to cover my face I would do so.

Well you'd have to wouldn't you. And that would be a bad thing! That culture, where government dictates what you may wear based on your gender, religion or status is not one we should be seeking to emulate IMO!