Should We Draw A Veil?

Jack Straw eh?

Always struck me as a slightly odd member of Tony's cabinet. Always came across on the Today programme as if he had a lump in his throat that would not move. Seemed to have gone all moon-eyed over Condoleeza Rice, and had an eighties version of John Lennon's glasses.

And here he is opening cans of worms and putting cats among pigeons &c.

So, motorcyclists have to remove their helmets before entering banks, buidling societies and various other places. What about muslim women with veils? And what images will their ID cards contain?

I don't want to wade through the psychology of why women may feel it necessary to cover their faces in order to feel secure, confident or anything else, or why men might encourage them to do so. There are doubtless lots of things in the world that need changing and I hope we will get round to them, but religion is never the answer, and arbitrary rules of dress or diet prescribed by them (even when genuinely part of the religion) should never be permitted to challenge either the law of the land or medical common sense.

And it should not be unreasonable or shocking to ask a woman wearing a veil to remove it in your presence if you find it hampers conversation. Your request may be refused, in which case you should be free to terminate the conversation if you wish, or proceed out of respect for the other person's wishes. The point is, it is your choice. Not theirs.