Belgium moves closer to banning burqa in public

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110428/ap_on_re_eu/eu_belgium_burqa_ban;_ylt=An8MFpjev1Nh.cjQa17qF_F0bBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTJydmE5b2ZuBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwNDI4L2V1X2JlbGdpdW1fYnVycWFfYmFuBHBvcwMzNARzZWMDeW5fcGFnaW5hdGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNiZWxnaXVtbW92ZXM-

– Thu Apr 28, 3:35 pm ET

BRUSSELS – Belgium has taken a major step toward banning burqa-type Islamic dress in public when its lower house of parliament overwhelmingly backed the measure.

After Thursday's approval, the senate still has several weeks to decide whether to put the bill up for further discussion and another vote.

The Belgian legislature already came close to approving such legislation last year, but the process was held up at the last moment when the governing coalition collapsed.

On Thursday, the bill was approved by an overwhelming majority of 136-1 and two abstentions.

[himher 634]

Why is this a story?

The full facial / body cover which is being discussed in France and Belgium is ALSO BANNED in Mecca itself. So, if France or Belgium or anywhere else changes their laws to match the rules and requirements for making a holy pilgramage to Mecca is this supposed to be a type of persecution or something?

RE-worded, if the headline said "Belgium to adjust their laws for Muslim dress to match the rules in the Muslim Holy City of Mecca" would this be an interesting story?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Why is this a story?

The full facial / body cover which is being discussed in France and Belgium is ALSO BANNED in Mecca itself. So, if France or Belgium or anywhere else changes their laws to match the rules and requirements for making a holy pilgramage to Mecca is this supposed to be a type of persecution or something?

RE-worded, if the headline said "Belgium to adjust their laws for Muslim dress to match the rules in the Muslim Holy City of Mecca" would this be an interesting story?

I'm pretty sure thats not correct. You can wear it in Mecca, its during a specific time of the year that you can't - during the pilgrimage (which I guess you sort of noted in your second sentence. Just don't want people to get the wrong idea about Mecca.)

Edited April 29, 2011 by Sousuke

[Sofiyya 1,687]

BRUSSELS – Belgium has taken a major step toward banning burqa-type Islamic dress in public when its lower house of parliament overwhelmingly backed the measure.

Burqas aren't Islamic, so, who cares?

[ready4ONE 5,400]

Everyone knows only Western women wear burqas, so they can claim they are Muslims, and other Westerners can fake being offended...

[Danno 1,228]

Burqas aren't Islamic, so, who cares?

But they are "part" of the Muslim Culture...... which is the point of the whole news story I think.

[Zero Sum 305]

Its their country. Legislation of fashion... Oh boy. We should do the same here with saggy pants and other hallmarks of culture like racist symbols (Dixie flag and that nonsense).

[himher 634]

Correction: Not allowed, in Mecca, during the Hajj.

Thank you.....however the point is that this is not a religious or religious persecution issue but a cultural issue.

I'm pretty sure thats not correct. You can wear it in Mecca, its during a specific time of the year that you can't - during the pilgrimage (which I guess you sort of noted in your second sentence. Just don't want people to get the wrong idea about Mecca.)