Labour MP Jack Straw says he politely asks Muslim women wearing veils if they would consider removing them when they come to talk to him. Is that a reasonable request?
Have you ever been asked to change something that's important to you so that you can access a service (e.g. school, doctors)? Why do you think this is? How do you think you would respond if you were asked to alter something that was important to you (for example meeting for worship) so you could access a service?
Jack Straw says some of his constituents visit his office wearing a niqab, a veil for the face that leaves only the area around the eyes clear. He feels uncomfortable talking to someone who he cannot see properly. Do you appreciate his difficulty? If so, why are telephone helplines so popular? Is David Blunkett MP less helpful to his constituents because, due to his visual impairment, he cannot see anyone? Is Jack Straw feeling uncomfortable the constituents responsibility or his?
Wearing the veil is usually a religious or cultural decision. Straw argues that people should also think about the effect on community relations. Do you agree? Should you stop doing something because it risks annoying other people?
Some people have argued that the debate has given support to anti-Islamic extremists. There have been news reports of Muslim women being attacked in the street. Others say that open debate is needed to combat the extremists. Who do you agree with?
How would you react if someone came for a job interview wearing a niqab? Would you be happy if your doctor decided to wear a niqab? Have you met someone wearing a niqab - did this challenge what you thought?
Quakers were originally persecuted for standing by their beliefs - how does this help you understand this discussion?
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Resources: Talking point - Should Muslim women wear veils?
By PJ White - Young People Now - 18/10/06