Straight Goods - Banning the burka misses the point - The ban is largely symbolic but does hinder the few women who wear burkas.

Straight Goods - Banning the burka misses the point - The ban is largely symbolic but does hinder the few women who wear burkas.: "Are bans really about the shrouded women or are they about our own comfort? How much of our reaction is xenophobia — that is, dislike of foreigners? Do we find it easy to ban burkas and niqabs, or at least to have an opinion on the subject, because they are worn by women?

If the face veiling teaches us anything, it is that complex issues that involve gender, religion, culture and society require more than a knee-jerk reaction. We cannot look at a custom and assume we understand its meanings. And even where its meaning is one of oppression, we cannot simply ban it and expect that will stamp out the underlying problem."

French Senate passes ban on veil

French Senate passes ban on veil: "The French Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bill banning the burqa-style Islamic veil in public, with the leaders of both parliamentary houses saying they have already asked a special council to ensure the measure passes constitutional muster amid concerns its tramples on religious freedoms.

The Senate voted 246 to 1 on Tuesday in favour of the bill, which has already passed in the lower chamber, the National Assembly. It will need President Nicolas Sarkozy's signature."

And oppression of women prevails! Fight oppression with education not with another oppression!

Indonesia to ask ISPs to block porn websites

I am curious, how Islamic this restriction of freedom of choice is? In other words, is it backed by a robust source of Shariah/Islamic law? I don't think it's Islamic but it could be democratic if the majority of people voted for!

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, is planning use a controversial anti-pornography law to restrict pornographic websites in the next few months, a communications ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/219912,indonesia-to-ask-isps-to-block-smut.aspx