Friday, 13 September 2013
Is it in the interests of justice and safety that we should be able to see each others faces?
Consider the case of the 21 year old from Hackney, London who refused to remove her niqab and reveal her face in front of any man.
Look at this Private Members Bill for further information:
Face Coverings (Regulation) Bill 2010-12
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The judge has now ruled that in order to give evidence the defendant must show her face to the jury.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24112067
Therefore, should members of the jury have to show their face to the defendant?
Kiren said "I found this article about the ban on all face and head coverings by Birmingham Metropolitan College and thought it would be a good idea for people to debate or comment towards it."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/10308805/The-niqab-is-a-worrying-symbol-of-segregation.html
Ruqaiyah said "I believe in the freedom to dress and act in any way people wish too. These liberties have been taken away in France however it is apart of the constitutions ethos to ban or restrict religious objects such as turbans and crucifixes from children from early ages. However, even though most Muslim women wear niqabs or face coverings other people must understand that it is not a Islamic obligation rather culture.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I also understand the problems associated with the identity and safety security.
Another issue which has to be highlighted is that some women are forced to, its a controversial issue and again it comes down to people and culture.
Over all, I don't think the face covering act will be passed mainly because its a Private Members Bill and they are more likely to be rejected. Its a lengthy and hard process as well. "
A report from the BBC says that the government has called for a review of whether NHS staff in England should be allowed to wear full face veils. Ministers say that face coverings can be a barrier to communicating with patients. Read the full story here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24158041
ReplyDeleteDuring an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show Prime Minister David Cameron has made his thoughts known about face coverings saying that he does not wish to ban them in public places but will support institutions such as schools and courts who wish to implement a ban.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/09/29/veil-ban-david-cameron_n_4012026.html?utm_hp_ref=tw
I think the judge was right in ordering this. It is vital for the defendant to be recognised and facial expressions can sometimes determine the emotions or thoughts going through someones head. No it shouldn't be different if she was a witness, or a defendant or anything in court, the order should remain the same for the interest of justice and safety.
ReplyDeleteCrisma says "I think everyone is free to wear what they want."
ReplyDelete