Veiled threat

Recent controversy over the wearing of the niqab by Muslim women makes some commentators veer towards freedom of choice in a democratic society. However, there are also other considerations that must be taken into account.

In a society in which women have every right to drive a car, should it be legal for anyone to wear a garment which restricts one’s vision to a small, narrow slot in a thick, black cloth when doing so? I have seen someone – perhaps female – attempting a 15-point turn while wearing such clothing. There again, a number of robberies have been performed by men wearing such clothing as an effective disguise.

For anyone to feel that they need to wear a niqab in our liberal country is surely to be deliberately at odds with our values, just as would be someone who sacrifices animals to their gods in the street.

However, in many cases, the women who adopt this type of clothing do so because of bullying by males in their own family circle and wearing it is often symptomatic of domestic abuse, not religious observance.

Andrew HN Gray

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh

Two recent events have shone a light on religious privilege. The Church in Wales has voted to make it possible for the appointment of women bishops, an issue with which Anglicans are still struggling in England.

While I celebrate with the people involved, I remain incredulous that the church has for so long been exempt from equality laws which would apply in any other area of work.

In London there has been controversy over a Muslim woman wanting to wear a niqab when giving evidence in court.

The state has no right to prescribe how anyone should dress in their own company, but does it not have a duty to protect other individuals and state bodies such as our courts from being compromised in their communication with someone who has hidden their face?

Remember motorcyclists have to remove their helmets when they enter banks. We must keep an eye on when religious freedom becomes religious privilege.

Neil Barber

Edinburgh Secular Society

Saughtonhall Drive

Edinburgh