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Harmless custom or threat? A lot has been made of Muslim women covering their faces with garments. Some think the custom should be banned in Western socities because they believe it hampers integration.(CITIZENSHIP--VEIL)
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Canada and the World Backgrounder
- Article date:
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December 1, 2006
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2006 Canada & the World. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A cabinet minister in the United Kingdom started a controversy over the wearing of the veil by Muslim women. In early October 2006, Jack Straw, Leader of the House of Commons and MP for England's Blackburn, asked constituents wearing the niqab (full covering with just the eyes showing) to remove the veil from their faces when meeting him. He said he felt the head covering was a barrier to good community relations.
Blackburn is in northwest England with a large Muslim population of mostly Pakistani origin.
Phil Woolas, another cabinet minister, also said the garment provoked fear. In addition, he felt a Muslim teacher in England who refused to remove her niqab should ...