Ban

[Purple Rabbit]

Ban 'm in public places. They induce rape I heard.

[downbeatplumb]

We have shopping centres here that ban hooded jackets because they cover the face and are used by criminals to remain anonymous.
Burkas are associated with a relgion whose attacks on others are well known.
Although I am generally not in favour of too much government interference i think there is a strong case to be made for banning the burka.
At least one terrorist has tried to hide their identity by wearing one.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6378863.stm

[lrh9]

I'm not a big proponent of prohibition.

I'd rather see an increased focus on technology.

[downbeatplumb]

I'm not a big proponent of prohibition.

I'd rather see an increased focus on technology.

Yeah lets use those scans that can see right through all clothing in the streets, thats the answer!!

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/08/...ink-shades:

[Rhage]

I'd like to see a ban on threads started with calculated ulterior motives. Threads designed by the original poster to be a 'set-up'... or 'bait'. Threads that the original poster, purposefully and with forethought, uses as a vehicle to further a personal agenda under the guise of something completely benign.

See, this is exactly how it should be said. Bullshit certainly does have that stale smell to it, doesn't it?

Godhead, indeed.

[Tiberius]

Ok. What about burkas?

The day this country starts banning items of clothing is the day I leave.

Immigration Minister Damian Green made quite a stupid gaff when talking about this subject though. He said that banning the burka would be "un-British", and that we weren't an aggressively secular nation like France.

Evidently Mr Green needs to read up on the definition of "secular", since by not banning the burka, the state is not interfering with the Muslim religion...quite a secular thing to do. What France has done is quite the opposite of secularism; the same goes for Belgium banning minarets.

[Ace Otana]

Darwinian -

How about faith schools for adults? Or optional lessons about religion, for kids?

I'm against religion being taught in schools. I might not mind if religion was lightly taught in high school when they are old enough to understand and really think for themselves. Though I think it would be a good idea if the students could choose not to be taught about religion. That way, they have the freedom to say "no thanks, not interested".

In my very young days, my school would send me to church on a school day trip and they would spout bullshit. The thing is, I was too young to understand what the hell they were talking about. It was only till later that I knew. Never believed though. Was always an atheist.
I wished religion was never pressed on me during my childhood, but then I think by religion being pressed on me that it caused me to doubt it even more so.

So I'm against religion being taught in schools but won't mind so much if it was taught in high schools....as long as the students can choose whether or not they wish to be taught about it.

[Godhead]

Ace -

That's a fair view. However when you consider that some people never even have the chance to go to school, and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't do any harm to learn about religion, even if it's done in a preachy way because, as you say, being preached at gave you the chance to form a strong opinion against religion. The way I see it, all input is education, and you can take away something positive from pretty much anything. In fact, many atheists here from what I gather, and judging by the language used in their posts and the equating of theism per se with christianity, are ex christians, and I don't consider it far fetched to say that without the experience of having been in religion, they may not have formed their atheistic views quite as strongly as they have. So in a roundabout way, religion can sometimes be, ironically, a very effective deconverter. I never saw much sense in any religion, but I'm glad that I've always been aware of religion, as it has helped me to decide if I agree with it. I don't agree with religions, the only difference between me and most here is that I chose the middle path (following a prescribed set of beliefs - deciding my own theistic beliefs 100% - atheism). By the same token, I think it would be very beneficial for atheists to give talks in churches, mosques, synangogues, and all the other places where religious folk hang out. Not necessarily to deconvert them although if that happens so be it, but just to make sure that people know what the world thinks about life.

[Ace Otana]

@ Godhead

Indeed, teaching religion can actually deconvert theists or drive those who already doubt it further away. However, I'm thinking of those who don't want to hear any of it. Religion doesn't give any useful information. No data, no greater understanding...just personal beliefs.
If kids/adults want to learn more about religion or a particular religion they can either reaserch it online or go visit a local church. Religion is only personal beliefs and so there is no reason for it to be taught in schools. Religion can be too quick to take advantage of childrens gulibility. So NO religion in any school below high school. Also the option to choose not to be taught it should be available.
Though teaching religion can bring about more atheists than less (and has in the past), I want to make sure religion can never try any of it's brain washing tricks on young children. They could try on those who have already matured and very capable of critical reasoning (that's if they don't opt out of it) but not the little ones.
Take a look at "jesus camp". Type it into youtube.

[Purple Rabbit]

Ok. What about burkas?

The day this country starts banning items of clothing is the day I leave.

Immigration Minister Damian Green made quite a stupid gaff when talking about this subject though. He said that banning the burka would be "un-British", and that we weren't an aggressively secular nation like France.

Evidently Mr Green needs to read up on the definition of "secular", since by not banning the burka, the state is not interfering with the Muslim religion...quite a secular thing to do. What France has done is quite the opposite of secularism; the same goes for Belgium banning minarets.

A bit too easy I'd say. In islam young children are forced into thinking that it is unclean not to cover their female bodies. Should we not protect children from these rather unsecular ideas. Peer pressure on schools also adds to the problem. You need to read up too on this. You can start with Infidel and Nomad by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.