Posted on 10/05/2006 11:29:34 AM PDT by Eurotwit
Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has revealed that he asks Muslim women to remove their veils when they visit him in his Blackburn constituency.
The Leader of the Commons said he does it because he feels uncomfortable talking to someone whose face he cannot see.
He said he makes sure a female member of staff is with him during his surgeries and, after explaining his position, asks the woman to take off her veil.
The politician said he tells them that "this is a country built on freedoms. I defend absolutely the right of any women to wear a headscarf."
The news provoked anger from Muslims who accused Mr Straw of discrimination.
The Lancashire Council of Mosques said he had "misunderstood" the issue and it was "deeply concerned" by his "very insensitive and unwise" statement.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission accused the Labour MP of "selectively discriminating".
A spokesman said his comments were as objectionable as orthodox Jews being asked to remove their religious garb.
But Mr Straw pointed out: "I can't recall a single occasion when the lady concerned had refused to lift her veil; and most I ask seem relieved I have done so."
And other Muslim groups said they understood his views, with the Muslim Council of Britain admitting: "The veil does cause some discomfort to non-Muslims."
Muslims need to convert to a real religion.
No, I'm sure the Christian and Jewish women have to take their veils off too. :-)
Good for him.
Muslims need to convert to a religion, period. Islam is not a religion.
Mr Straw had better have 24 hour personal protection... for obvious reasons.
God, you make a friendly suggestion, and the Muzzies go batsh*t.
Good for Jack Straw and to Hell with the Muzzies. if they don't like it in Britain, well then, they should go the Hell home and stay there.
Sure it is...It's Satan worship.
Anyone forced to talk to a women in a veil should wear very, very dark sunglasses.
And maybe a clown's hat.
Geez...what doesn't "provoke anger from Muslims"? (Other than terrorism, the slaughter of other Muslims by their fellow Muslims, "honor" rapes/killings, and the slaughter and mutilation of innocent children...)
Okay, enough wondering. Time to hit the restroom...
I agree. I also think we in the U.S. may have those same regrets in the not too distant future.
LOL - I thought the picture funny and worth saving... but the real laugh came when I saw its file name. Thanks!
Your brillant, love your work!
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