Should Muslim people be allowed to hold political office

Fogdog said:

We are talking about an elected official. In most cases, their votes are recorded by name except in a voice vote, which doesn't keep track of who voted for who. The public will not know regardless of a burqa.

I thought you wanted to see her face so you could tell if she were lying. I doubt you could but I don't dispute that you want to see a lawmaker's face when they vote. I simply dispute that it's a good reason.

It's my opinion that there is nothing wrong with wearing a burqa and a lawmaker's ID need only be verified when they enter the chamber. I think that what a person wears is pretty much up to them and don't think seeing their face when they vote matters all that much. My reason is as subjective as yours. If it makes you feel any better, I'm most likely in the minority in my opinion.

Click to expand...

Sandernista said:

Not wearing one in certain countries can mean imprisonment or death.
But that's not my point.
My point is no to burqas in Congress.
I wouldn't want Kenny from south park in Congress either unless he was willing to show his face

Click to expand...

Sandernista said:

I have no problem with her being a muslim.
She can wear the burqa anytime she wants.
Except when representing the people, testifying in court, taking Visa, passport and dmv photos.

Click to expand...

Fogdog said:

OK, fine. Visa, passport, dmv and when verifying her ID when entering the House or Senate floor, it's reasonable and nothing wrong with lifting the veil to show her face.

The rest of the time, we disagree, I think it's OK if she keeps the veil on, you want the veil lifted. Nothing more to say, really. Because opinions not based upon facts are not debatable.

Click to expand...

Budley Doright said:

I doubt in my lifetime it’s something that will even be tested re the house or any political institution and a full burqa. Everything that is being discussed is pretty much decided in Canada and the full face must be shown for any goverment ID photo’s, passport, drivers licence etc. But yes I’m in the camp that doesn’t really care except for identification purposes. The courts have pretty much left it up to the presiding judge I believe whether a burqa is allowed while testifying. I think it’s only natural for western cultures to be Leary of a full face covering, we do base much of our interaction on facial features.

Click to expand...

Fogdog said:

Yep, it's entirely hypothetical at this point. Some of my neighbors wear a burqa. They don't mix with the others in the neighborhood but they aren't the only ones who keep to themselves. Still, not a big deal seeing one of my neighbors walking to the store, covered or not. I've been lied to plenty of times by people who weren't wearing a face cover.

I think its only natural to suspect people who follow different customs and traditions. It doesn't justify anything but people are wary of others who behave according to different norms.

Click to expand...