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Should burkas be banned in the UK? Should burkas be banned in the UK?
Burkas should be banned in the UK Burkas should be banned in the UK
Burkas should be banned in certain contexts Burkas should be banned in certain contexts
Burkas should not be banned in the UK Burkas should not be banned in the UK
Burkas should be banned because new(er) cultures should adapt to existing customs Burkas should be banned because new(er) cultures should adapt to existing customs
Burkas should be banned because safety concerns should be prioritised Burkas should be banned because safety concerns should be prioritised
Burkas should be banned because Islam does not require a burka Burkas should be banned because Islam does not require a burka
Burkas should be banned because wearing the burka normalises the oppression of women Burkas should be banned because wearing the burka normalises the oppression of women
Ski masks and helmets are also banned in some locations Ski masks and helmets are also banned in some locations
Burkas should be banned in some places because the government is secular Burkas should be banned in some places because the government is secular
Burka bans are a hinderance to integration Burka bans are a hinderance to integration
Personal liberty should be prioritised over banning burkas Personal liberty should be prioritised over banning burkas
We should not create an anti-Muslim environment by banning burkas We should not create an anti-Muslim environment by banning burkas
Banning the burka would prevent cultural dialogue Banning the burka would prevent cultural dialogue
Banning the burka would be discriminatory Banning the burka would be discriminatory
A burka ban is excessive relative to its object A burka ban is excessive relative to its object
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Should burkas be banned in the UK?
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Burkas should not be banned in the UK

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Banning the burka would prevent cultural dialogue

Adopting a legislative approach to increasing gender equality through banning the burka will stymie constructive dialogue.
Paul Brown
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Context

If elements of society are concerned about the repressive and patriarchal effect of the burka, they should promote measures to foster constructive public communication and debate on the issue instead of applying legislative action to ban burkas.

The Argument

A burka ban would instantly fuel resentment from Muslim communities towards the government and those calling for a burka ban. This resentment would shut down public debate on both sides, with Muslims accusing the government of Islamophobia and supporters of the ban accusing British Muslims of harbouring sexist and patriarchal beliefs. For those genuinely concerned about the sexist and patriarchal symbolism inherent in the burka, a blanket ban would be a travesty. It would be highly insensitive of another culture and all but shut down public communication on the issue. Instead, they should seek ways to foster public discourse, promote healthy debate and engage in dialogue about universal values and rights.[1]

Counter arguments

Not everything needs to lead to a public debate. Some things that are inherently oppressive or dangerous must be banned without debate. Some elements of society may complain, but it is in the best interests of society as a whole. For example, many libertarians propose that all drugs should be legal. This does not mean that the government should not legislate until the public debate is concluded and one vein of thinking emerges victorious. It should ban dangerous drugs in the interest of public safety until public pressure to do otherwise becomes too loud to ignore. The same applies to the burka. If we accept that the burka promotes gender inequality, the government should take action and ban it in society's best interests. If the public sentiment changes at a later date and the burka is viewed differently, the ban can be lifted. However, in the meantime, it is in the public's interest to ban it.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] A blanket burka ban would shut down public debate. [P2] This would be counterproductive to reducing gender inequality. [P3] Therefore, we shouldn't ban the burka.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] It would not be counterproductive to gender inequality.

References

  1. http://law.emory.edu/eilr/content/volume-25/issue-3/comments/burqa-ban-limitation-religious-freedom-restriction.html
This page was last edited on Monday, 23 Dec 2019 at 10:35 UTC

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