Tunisia bans women from wearing headscarves in public places

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Also -- didn't the Shah of Iran also forbid this back before he was ousted?

Yes. On a more serious note, the current ruling party of Tunisia is a remnant from the old glory days of secular socialism and is seriously threatened by resurgent fanatical Islamic groups. I interpret this move on their part as their way of telling the Islamists they won't just go quietly into the night...

[Karen_L 1]

Also -- didn't the Shah of Iran also forbid this back before he was ousted?

Yes. On a more serious note, the current ruling party of Tunisia is a remnant from the old glory days of secular socialism and is seriously threatened by resurgent fanatical Islamic groups. I interpret this move on their part as their way of telling the Islamists they won't just go quietly into the night...

I can certainly understand why a government would think this is a good move -- I guess with all the radicalism in religion these days (in Islam as well as other religions) the knee-jerk ban-everything-religious-in-public reaction might seem useful. I don't think alienating Muslims who are religious by not extremists will help endear the secular government to the people, but I do see that its kind of a reaction out of desperation.

[mawilson 2,133]

[because I am the Master of the Universe. I say "jump" and you say "how hi-jab".

Booooo! Get off the stage!

What? She asked a stupid question and got a stupid answer.

[Jenn! 918]

Imo forbidding someone from covering their head is as bad as forcing them to cover.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Forced liberation? Is that not just as much a step back away from women's rights as if they were forced to wear them in the first place???? What about the women who WANT to wear it?

I agree. It should really be left to the women to decide.

[Nizzy 1]

While I disagree with being forced to covered up in order to not tempt men I think that it should be left up to the women to do what they want. Believe it or not some women wear scarves to cover their head because they feel comfortable that way. In our culture when women get older(like in their 40's or 50s) they prefer to wear scarves. My grandma does it and there is no one forcing her she just feels comfortable. There are also women who don't wear it and that's great too. As long as no one is being forced to do anything then cover up or don't cover up, it's up to you!

[GaryC 7]

I'm sorry but I really don't understand this covering up women thing. What is the original reason for it? Does the sight of a womans hair or face cause uncontrolled lust in some men? If so, why punish the women for it? Shouldn't the blame be placed on the man that can't control himself? I'm not trying to be disrespectful but I really don't understand.