Pat Condell

Originally Posted by classicman

The issue is one of safety and known terrorists being able to conceal their faces behind the veil. Gloves? Cutting their hair? You are totally missing the point. C'mon.

A Sikh can hide a weapon in a turban. Orthodox Jews...probably not so much under a yarmulke, but a small vial of a deadly chemical?

It is not so easy to draw a line between personal protected freedoms that are at the very foundation of western society and national security, nor should it be. When we begin to tilt too much in the favor of national security, we threaten more personal liberties than just one religions practice.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Redux

A Sikh can hide a weapon in a turban. Orthodox Jews...probably not so much under a yarmulke, but a small vial of a deadly chemical?

It is very easy - the law is based upon hiding ones face - period. That has been done repeatedly. Not anymore - Good for them.

This is akin to wearing a mask while going into a bank - what reaction does that person get?

Originally Posted by classicman

It is very easy - the law is based upon hiding ones face - period. That has been done repeatedly. Not anymore - Good for them.

This is akin to wearing a mask while going into a bank - what reaction does that person get?

Why is covering one's face more dangerous than the capacity to hide something under a turban?

In fact, it is probably easier for a man to hide a weapon under a turban than a woman to hide a weapon under a veil.

The first amendment to the Constitution- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... - is there to ensure that it is not easy. And there is a reason why it is the first amendment

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Redux

Why is covering one's face more dangerous than the capacity to hide something under a turban?

I already answered this - It is to prevent know terrorists from keeping their identities hidden - it has NOTHING to do with concealment of a weapons.

The first amendment . . .

This is in Europe, not the US.

Originally Posted by classicman

I already answered this - It is to prevent know terrorists from keeping their identities hidden - it has NOTHING to do with concealment of a weapons.

If applied in a sweeping manner, you are including millions who are not know terrorist.

This is in Europe, not the US.

We hear calls from some on the right for similar restrictions in the US.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Redux

If applied in a sweeping manner, you are including millions who are not know terrorist.

That's one big IF

We hear calls from some on the right for similar restrictions in the US.

Ok lets try it this way - My new religion. lets call it bombism, says I must carry a bomb with me at all times... Should there be any restrictions upon me?

Originally Posted by classicman

That's one big IF

How is a law that is applied to ALL women of a particular religion, not just suspected or know terrorists..a big IF?

Ok lets try it this way - My new religion. lets call it bombism, says I must carry a bomb with me at all times... Should there be any restrictions upon me?

The legal system and ultimately, in the US, the Supreme Court, determines what constitutes a legitimate religion under the law.