Now Muslims can wear veils in 'our' courts

**dark_knight** · 25-04-2007, 06:08 PM

Muslim women were yesterday given the full backing of the law to wear veils in court – even if they are standing trial for crimes. Defendants who are told they must remove their face-covering garment could even be allowed to give evidence in secret so as not to offend them. Senior judges ruled that religious dress – including the full niqab which leaves only the eyes exposed – should be allowed for anyone involved in a court case unless justice is threatened....

"Last night critics said the guidance undermines the most basic of principles – that justice must be seen to be done. Tory MP Philip Davies said: 'People are entitled to see what is going on. All this *****-footing around, judges have no comprehension of the damage they're doing for community cohesion by coming out with this barmy stuff'."

Daily Express, 25 April 2007

See also the Express editorial, headed "Disgraceful veil rule will only fuel further anger", which opines:

"The decision to give the green light for full-face veils to be worn in court by lawyers, witnesses and even defendants drives a coach and horses – or should that be a camel train? – through British legal tradition.... On Monday the Treasury announced it will set up sharia-approved financial products especially for Muslims. Yesterday the legal establishment took the first step towards allowing British Muslims to regulate their interactions with the courts according to sharia law. The British people will not put up with these crazy acts of cultural surrender for much longer."

Indistinguishable from the sort of thing you might read on the BNP website, isn't it?

**CANTANATRIX** · 25-04-2007, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by dark_knight

Muslim women were yesterday given the full backing of the law to wear veils in court – even if they are standing trial for crimes. Defendants who are told they must remove their face-covering garment could even be allowed to give evidence in secret so as not to offend them. Senior judges ruled that religious dress – including the full niqab which leaves only the eyes exposed – should be allowed for anyone involved in a court case unless justice is threatened....

"Last night critics said the guidance undermines the most basic of principles – that justice must be seen to be done. Tory MP Philip Davies said: 'People are entitled to see what is going on. All this *****-footing around, judges have no comprehension of the damage they're doing for community cohesion by coming out with this barmy stuff'."

Daily Express, 25 April 2007

See also the Express editorial, headed "Disgraceful veil rule will only fuel further anger", which opines:

"The decision to give the green light for full-face veils to be worn in court by lawyers, witnesses and even defendants drives a coach and horses – or should that be a camel train? – through British legal tradition.... On Monday the Treasury announced it will set up sharia-approved financial products especially for Muslims. Yesterday the legal establishment took the first step towards allowing British Muslims to regulate their interactions with the courts according to sharia law. The British people will not put up with these crazy acts of cultural surrender for much longer."

Indistinguishable from the sort of thing you might read on the BNP website, isn't it?

I would say it is important to be able to see someone's eyes and face in a courtroom. It is key to how either a witness or a defendant present themselves, and frankly I would not trust someone who hid their face from me if I was called up for jury duty.

The face can reveal a lot about someoene and if someone hid their face in court for WHATEVER reason then it immideately creates an element of distrust.

The courtroom is an open place and this news worries me.

Yes the Express does sound very right-wing in the article but I think there are real valid concerns on this issue. It would be nice to hear concerns from another less right-wing source that can actually make points without it being an intolerant rant (well you can see the crusader on the header lol the express is rubbish).

**Theodore** · 25-04-2007, 08:51 PM

Im still pushing for the disgusting prejudice this country has against nudists and balaclava wearers.

I find it grossly unfair that balaclava wearers are discriminated against in banks and shops, often being forced to the ground by armed police, there really is no need! And as for nudists, people say "why should I have to see someone nude" - well why should I have to see someone fat or someone ugly? Why should I have to see babies being sick putting me off my food, why should I have to see dogs? Why should I have to see graffiti or really really bad decorating? Why should I have to see sad headlines on other peoples newspapers? You think its fine to discriminate on peoples flesh - but if the argument was "why should I have to see black people" that would be way way out of line! Fleshists (people who are prejudice against flesh) make me sick, it shouldnt matter if your black or white, it shouldnt matter if you're wearing cow skin or human skin!

**Peacenik** · 25-04-2007, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Theodore

Im still pushing for the disgusting prejudice this country has against nudists and balaclava wearers.

Theo, why would you parade around in the nude in a balclava ?

**Muslimlarki** · 25-04-2007, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by Peacenik

Theo, why would you parade around in the nude in a balclava ?

Theo never actually said anything about nude balaklava wearers

**Theodore** · 25-04-2007, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Muslimlarki

Theo never actually said anything about nude balaklava wearers

Yeah you joke about it, but just see how much prejudice and racism you will suffer if you walk into a bank nude wearing nothing but a balaclava!

**Peacenik** · 25-04-2007, 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by Muslimlarki

Theo never actually said anything about nude balaklava wearers

I know....

It was a joke...

**irfan** · 25-04-2007, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by Theodore

I find it grossly unfair that balaclava wearers are discriminated against in banks and shops, often being forced to the ground by armed police, there really is no need!

Why would anyone walk into a bank with a balaclava on and not expect to be wrestled to the ground?

As for walking around nude, you carry on. Don't let anyone stop you.

**binty** · 25-04-2007, 11:22 PM

yayyyyyyyyy

**thaddeus** · 26-04-2007, 08:29 AM

More nonsense. A person's face can show as much (sometimes more) than their voice. The jury should be able to see the faces of the people who're being questioned.