Quote Originally Posted by AFC East View Post
The protest isn't a defence of the Burkha, which is undoubtedly an unfortunate symbol of patriarchal Islam. It's a defence of the right to wear what one chooses to wear. Many islamic women have made the choice to follow this part of their religion. These are not necessarily women living under dogged oppression on a daily basis. In the same way some Catholic women will not use contraception. Both are examples of a deeply patriarchal religion dictating to women. One is more visible, one is potentially more physically harmful.

I have no evidence, but I sincerely doubt that fundamentalists will be on the beach in a Burkini. I'd guess that fundamentalists hate these women more than the French do.

Let's have a proper public debate, rather than an ill thought out ban.
Yes, and heaven forbid that we might look at the issue on a practical level. Is there anyone who really believes that banning the burkini is going to influence the misogynistic nature of Islamic culture in a positive way? Really? Do you think women who are coerced into wearing the burkini are going to suddenly become Germaine Greer on a camel?

The problem isn't women who are forced to cover up, it's the men, the culture and the community who encourage it. I would suggest we focus our attention there. And although I admit that we are likely to encounter the same group of people who will be protesting the ban on burkinis, at least in this scenario we'll have a valid argument.