The Muslim News - Veil and deaf people
Religion and religious rights (and wrongs and slights) are very sensitive grounds. But to steer clear of them is to take the cowardly way out, and to engage in constructive, rational and intelligent debate and discussion with regard to such issues makes for a better world.
Of course, it needs sensitive, understanding and reasonable people in the discusssion to take things work.
My personal stance: I support the right of Muslim women to wear the tudang (as the headscarf is called here in Singapore). Veils? A tougher issue to take a stand on. As always, there are absolutes and there are exceptions, and I say there are specific cases where veils - which cover the face - can be cause for concern. For purposes of identification, for example, especially so when it comes to security considerations. However, there should no discrimmination in all other situations, as when security is not a issue.
Having watched numerous news reports regarding Muslim women claiming they are fully approachable and able to fully communicate whilst wearing the veil, I would like to dispute this, as quite obviously they must only be referring to those with exceptional hearing. Therefore are the Muslim community deliberately constructing barriers?
Personally, I believe they are entitled to dress up as they wish to. However, it’s a different story when it come to driver’s licenses. In order to acquire a driver’s license, you should at least let people know what you look like.
Definitely a security concern when it come to identification cards.
Comment by Banjo — November 25, 2006 @ 12:22 pm
Agree.
Well, here in Singapore, we have compulsory identification cards for everyone living here - citizens, permanent residents, foreign workers. I guess there is no exception when it comes to photos for these cards and passports and the like. So if anyone refuses to let his/her face be photographed or undergo facial identification (for security reasons) citing religious reasons, I won’t be supporting this stance. Otherwise, I support their right to dress as they wish.
Comment by Dictatorial Editor — November 26, 2006 @ 12:54 am