Posted on 10/10/2006 6:50:32 AM PDT by Valin
Prime Minister Tony Blair has backed Jack Straw over his decision to raise the issue of Muslim women who veil their faces. While he said the wearing of the veil was a personal choice, the Prime Minister said it was "perfectly sensible" to discuss the matter in the context of breaking down barriers between communities. His Cabinet colleague, Mr Straw, found himself at the centre of controversy after he described the veil as "a visible statement of separation and of difference" between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. While many Muslims reacted angrily to the intervention by the Leader of the Commons, there has also been widespread backing for the way he raised such a controversial issue.
Mr Blair said: "I don't think anyone is suggesting it's not a matter of personal choice in the end, for people to do what they want. "But actually what Jack Straw was saying was perfectly sensible, which is that if we want to break down the barriers between people and between different cultures and religions, then it is important these issues are raised and discussed. "I see nothing wrong with that and I think it is perfectly sensible if you raise it in a measured and considered way to have a proper public discussion about it," he told BBC Breakfast.
Mr Blair acknowledged that people felt very strongly about the issue, and said it was about ensuring people integrated and did not separate themselves out from the mainstream of society. "It's a difficult, tricky debate to enter into, as we can see over the past few days, but he raised it in a very sensible and measured way," he said. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on Monday said Mr Straw had been right to raise the issue, insisting it should not be a "no-go area for debate", but he also voiced concern that it could lead to "considerable difficulties" in terms of community relations.
the actual truth of everything "islamic" is hidden, so why WOULDN'T they hide their faces? Fact is, moozie males hide their faces frequently, too......just watch your teevee and count how many in how many different countries you can see with their faces hidden.
;')
Blair Leaves Straw Isolated In Row Over Veils (UK)
The Telegraph (UK) | 10-7-2006 | Graeme Wilson
Posted on 10/06/2006 10:57:30 PM EDT by blam
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