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| Edited By: |Source: DNA |Updated: Dec 13, 2016, 11:01 AM IST
What Germany has done is indeed shocking. They have followed the trend sent by France which is a blatant anti-Muslim move and is in violation of people’s right to cultural identity within a democracy where people of different ethnic background have a right to an autonomy regarding their choice of food and dress. This is a regressive trend which sets a dangerous precedent for other European countries. But one can clearly see a global pattern emerging and the anti-Muslim trend and Islamophobia spreading everywhere, including in India. Rather ironically this happens in the name of ‘liberating Muslim women’.
Merkel’s move will push Muslim women more into a shell and make them more determined to assert their cultural identity. I can clearly see a reflection of this taking place in India in the context of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) debate where even the liberal and progressive social thinkers have endorsed this demand as though a UCC is the only way the rights of Muslim women can be secured.
Flavia Agnes, Women’s rights lawyer
Masooma Ranalvi, Social Activist
I am opposed to any form of imposition on one’s clothing by either the state or the religious fundamentalists.What I wear or read or eat should be my personal choice and not a diktat by anyone.The imposition of a burqa ban is primarily in opposition to Europe’s liberal ideals and principles. Let me make it very clear, I am opposed to the imposition of the burqa by Muslim fundamentalists. Let it be an individual woman’s choice.We need to empower women to make intelligent and informed choices.I also understand that a woman is vulnerable and on the ground does not have a freedom of choice. But banning of the burqa is not the right solution. Education and women empowerment is needed. Also the ban seems to stem from an Islamophobia pervading the West as was evident in the burqini ban in France.
Indira Jaising, senior advocate, Supreme Court
It appears that the considerations are political rather than substantial or cultural. Indeed, every community has the right to preserve their culture . Hence the argument she gives of its being against the culture of the country does not hold good to being with , this is not an issue relating to refugees alone, there are citizens of Germany who maybe Muslim and they too have the right to preserve their culture as anyone else. Decision about how to dress are very personal, and cannot be interfered with on such vague grounds. There is no statement that the ban is to be introduces on account of security concerns as such and hence it cannot be justified. Far from building an inclusive society, this ban will alienate Muslims with consequences that could be devastating for the country as a whole. The concept of secularism in our country does not require that the veil be banned as it would be a serious encroachment of the rights of communities. The State ought not to have a prohibitory role in it.
Shaheeda Kirtane, research associate, Observer Research Foundation Mumbai
Every country is entitled to make laws and rules that work to safeguard their population. I understand that many European countries have, most recently, faced attacks at the hands of religious extremists. However, for forward-thinking and tolerant Chancellor Merkel to propose a ban of the burqa is to paint all Muslim women with the same brush of radicalism. A full-faced veil, though does pose a serious challenge to security.
