Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 11-21-2002, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Mr Nile stressed yesterday it was only the chador he was concerned about, because of its supposed potential use by terrorists. However, two weeks ago he called for an inquiry into the impact of female Muslim students wearing the hijab, a head scarf, in state schools, suggesting it should be banned in the interests of "discouraging divisiveness and promoting unity and tolerance".

Promoting tolerance by forcing everyone to look alike?

I'm not sure what I can add to that.

The American version of church-state separation frowns on laws that deprive people of their religious symbols, such as distinctive dress, holidays, etc., although there is some question as to whether a Moslim woman can wear a chador for her drivers licence photo.

But not everyone sees it the same way. Our ally Turkey outlawed women from wearing the hijab (and men from wearing the fez) early in the 20th century, as part of a modernization effort.

Xeluan · 11-22-2002, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Arrowman:
[QB
Howard's Whimpy Response:

I'm not sure "cynical" is the word I would use - more like "gutless". I think Howard's equivocal response (and Downer's equally lame one, which I think was an attempt at humour) is just plain a wasted opportunity.

Howard might be a deeply conservative man, and a religious one, but he also (IMHO) is essentially a decent man who would not in any sense go along with Nile's foolishness.[/QB]

I still say cynical as Howard's equivocation is tantamount to playing the race card. Howard has done this before though last year's election was very blatant and a lot less ambiguous. He is an experienced politician and if he can divide then he knows he'll conquer.

The issue is not whether Howard he agrees with Nile but to see whether Nile's statement resonates with a certain segment of community. By being on the fence, he can see it play out and decide whether similar arguments will help him politically in the future.

Xeluan

[ November 22, 2002: Message edited by: Xeluan ]

[ November 22, 2002: Message edited by: Xeluan ]</p>

Kuu · 11-22-2002, 01:14 AM

Quote:

However, two weeks ago he called for an inquiry into the impact of female Muslim students wearing the hijab, a head scarf, in state schools, suggesting it should be banned in the interests of "discouraging divisiveness and promoting unity and tolerance".

Fred Nile talking about tolerance. What a joke.

One would think the best way of promoting tolerance would to let girls wear the hijab and the teachers explaining why the girls do. After all Australia is a multicultural country.

Little Johnny makes me sick. It makes me either sicker that he seems to be so popular even after the "Children Overboard' scandal. It has been many years since a PM has played the race card like he does.

BigBlue2 · 11-22-2002, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kuu:
Fred Nile talking about tolerance. What a joke.

Hypocrisy at its finest. Fortunately no one takes Nile seriously. It should be rembered that he is a minor politician in a State Upper house and has no influence on policy making at either a state or federal level. He has a big mouth, that's all.

What blew this little flap out of all proportion is that Johnny Howard failed to put the kybosh on Nile's bovine excrement. Howard should definitely cop some harsh criticism for this. His waffling just fuels the paranoia that is going on at the moment.

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