THE FORMER LORD MAYOR of Cork has said that it is “high time” that the government follows the lead of countries like France and Belgium by banning the wearing of burqas.

The issue of the traditional Islamic garment has become increasingly contentious in Europe in recent years – within both Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Those who support a ban on the garment, which covers the whole of a woman’s body except her eyes, argue that the burqa is a symbol of women’s subjugation to men and not compatible with an open, free society. Some Muslims insist that wearing the burqa is not religiously required – saying it is a cultural construct and just one interpretation of “modest dress”, which is encouraged for both women and men.

Those who oppose the ban argue that, in an open and free society, citizens’ differences should be tolerated; they argue that laws specifically banning Islamic dress are discriminatory, breach a person’s freedom to expression and religion, and serve only to further marginalise minorities. Critics say that the issue of women’s rights can – and should – be addressed in a more constructive way than the banning of certain clothing.

What do you think?

Read: Former Cork mayor leads call for burqa ban in Ireland>