13 December 2011

Mixed reaction from Calgary's Islamic community at niqab ruling

.... There's always a way around that would allow them to (take the oath) within parameters which would still allow a Muslim, or a Sikh, Hindu or Christian to observe their religious practices," said Tilly, who suggested that Muslim women be allowed to take the oath in a more private setting.

Malake El-Malt emigrated to Canada more than a decade ago and says it's reasonable for the government to ask to see a woman's face.

"Wearing the niqab (or burka) is more cultural than religious," said El-Malt. "I don't see the harm for the government to move this way, as long as this is not the beginning of a ban on other things, like the hijab for instance, because that is religious and mandatory in Islam." [Calgary Herald] Read more [via The Iconoclast]