My take on the niqab

Have been thinking and thinking about why I oppose the wearing of the niqab for Canadian ceremonies and I think I have finally figured it out. 

I don't like it because the rest of us have adhered to Canadian rules, regulations and laws for generations -- whether we like them or not.  That is what the "rule of law" is all about.  That is what Canadians respect and expect.  Why should people who have been welcomed here ten minutes ago have the right to not adhere to our laws?  That is what pisses us off -- or at least that is what pisses me off.  I don't care what you do in your private life, but in your public life as a "Canadian", obey our laws and regulations.  Period, the end.

If one goes to the middle east, one covers one's head.  As Canadians, we obey jurisdictional rules in other countries and we expect the same here.  It's not about religion or gender, it's about what Canadians -- or would-be Canadians -- are expected to do in Canada.  Heard an idiot on the CBC saying that, "afterall, Laureen Harper covered her head when she visited the Pope in the Vatican, so what's the big deal about a woman wanting to cover her head here?" 

Well, the big deal would have been if Laureen Harper had refused to cover her head.  As a respectful Canadian, she covered it to adhere to the Vatican custom of doing so.  Quite apart from the fact that I find it demeaning and insulting to force any woman to cover her head, face and entire body, I am one Canadian who expects all to be universally treated and accepted.  Women should not be effectively shunned and publically shamed by having to hide themselves.  To me it is sexual.  Do muslims think that if a man sees one speck of female flesh he will be aroused to the point of rape?  It's completely insane!

Harper has hit the nail on the head and it is resonating with the public.  Mulcair and Trudeau have missed the boat.  Both profess to support women, but by endorsing the niqab they have done the opposite.