Originally posted by BillyBong:
I agree that such a strong religious statement should not be allowed to stand defiant in the face of a multi-racial society. However i question the ethical aspect of the decision to ban only the headscarf.
If our gahmen want to make a bold statement, they should not marginalise just the muslim practice but like the french, include all forms of religious symbols. From a neutral point of view, this would be seen as a bias move targeted solely at the muslim female community.
It is unfortunate that the Singapore and French Governments have acted against the Muslim Female Community, by banning the Headscarf.
However, one must also look at the actions objectively.
Firstly, the Mulsim Women allowed themselves to be subjected to the Male Interpretation of the Islamic Tenets and the subsequent Male Imposition of such Interpretations that IMPINGED on the Rights of the Muslim Women.
Put it simply, the Muslim Women allowed themselves to be pawns in the Political Test of Wills, to gain recognition for their own Community.
Secondly, Singapore Government do not ban the use of headscarf in the work places of Government Offices.
Thirdly, unfortunately for the French, the Muslims were never part of the French history, and if the Muslim Community decide to live in France - which is a PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN COUNTRY - they should at least assert their POLITICAL RIGHTS in another form.
Fourthly, the wearing of the Headscarf is due to some OBSCURE, NARROW and ANCIENT interpretation of the Koran, largely by MALE CLERICS, who espoused that it is the word of the Prophet that Women must cover their hair and face, as it leads Men into TEMPTATION.
Fifth, the French Revolution was won with the blood of the Working Class, the result of which was the Liberty and Freedom of every French Citizen. Can they accept any migrant becoming a French Citizen, to impinge on the Rights of their Women, who happened to be a Muslim ?
The issue of the headscarf will rage on, whenever the Muslim Community refuse to acknowledge the advancement of Human History, and prefer to live in the narrowest interpretation of an Ancient Holy Book.
This can only bring affliction to themselves and their own Community.