Should burkas be banned in the UK?

Personal liberty should be prioritised over banning burkas

Question: Should burkas be banned in the UK?
Position‹3 of 3: Burkas should not be banned in the UK
Argument‹6 of 6: Personal liberty should be prioritised over banning burkas

A burka ban would infringe Muslim women's rights to religious freedom and civil liberties.

The argument

For those who interpret Islam's teachings as requiring them to wear a burka for their faith, they should be free to do so in the same way as anyone else who chooses religious clothing. While the UK does not have a written constitution which heralds individual liberty in the same way the USA does - primary legislation including the Human Rights Act protects freedom of speech and religion. Under this legislation, the wearing of religious attire, including crosses, kippahs and Islamic veils, is protected as a civil right.

Context

In some places, including the Spanish town of Lleida, attempts to ban the burka have been overturned in national courts over concerns that it restricts religious liberties.

Premises

[P1]People who believe their faith requires a burka should be as free to wear it as anyone choosing other religious clothing. [P2] UK legislation like the Human Rights Act protects freedom of religion. [P3] Under this, wearing religious attire — crosses, kippahs, veils — is a protected civil right. [C] Therefore, because personal liberty should be prioritised, burkas should not be banned in the UK.

Counter-arguments

The Burka is Not a Religious Freedom The burka is not an essential part of the Islamic faith. It is a personal choice. Therefore, banning the burka is not a violation of someone's religious freedoms. They are still free to practice the Islamic faith and are able to do so, free from restriction, harassment or hindrance.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] A burka ban would not infringe that right because wearing a burka is not an essential facet of Islam.