You can't hide behind the "dress-code" veil

Faced with the fact that the wearing of the niqab or hijab is not religiously prescribed, some Muslim's are now putting forth the argument that Canada is undemocratically enforcing a "dress code" when it bans the veil during the taking of the oath of Canadian citizenship. Well, yes. All Canadian communities have well-accepted dress codes enshrined in local bylaws.

Women can't parade around topless -- and neither can men in many communities. Sadly, the latter is not enforced to the annual disgust of many of us who endure repellent beer bellies and massive mammaries during the heat of summer. (And I won't even mention the "cheeks" that often protrude from the rear of too-tight, low-slung shorts. Yuck.)

Such codes are in place to reassure Canadians about what is, and what is not, culturally acceptable. They are in place so that your grandmother or maiden aunt can venture into the public thoroughfare with the assurance they will not face an onslaught of unacceptable or offensive displays of garb -- or the lack thereof. It's about public decorum and behaviour.

Dress codes are usually part of any social invitation. If not, guests often call the hostess and ask, "what is the dress code?" It's all perfectly normal and culturally acceptable. That's why expressions such as "over-dressed" and "under-dressed" exist. Someone breached a societal dress code and it was remarked upon.

Dress codes are also enforced at private schools. Can you imagine deciding to send your child to a pricey institution, but balking at the uniform? If you don't like the dress code, don't send your child to that particular school. And, by the way, that most certainly includes Muslim schools, where a dress code is strictly enforced. If you don't like Canadian dress standards, don't come to Canada.

Not to flog the proverbial horse, but try to enroll your child in a Muslim school and object to its dress code. Just try. See what happens.

Get over yourselves and adhere now and then to western dress. Go ahead, enjoy both the freedoms and securities Canada affords everyone.