I-REPORT: Your views on Muslim veil row

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Senior British Cabinet minister Jack Straw has sparked fury by saying that Muslim women who wore full veils made community relations more difficult. Here are a selection of comments by CNN readers on the issue:

George Lawrence of Cherokee Village, Arizona, says: The saying of "when in Rome do as the Romans do" should apply in this case. While this type of dress, covering ones face, is an acceptable custom in their country it certainly isn't, and should not be, acceptable in other countries. Do these people not understand that the custom of many other countries is not to cover ones face up during a meeting or during normal communications with others?

"I believe that too much political correctness is being place on silly issues like this. So they get their feeling hurt over this issue. What's the big deal? It seems like America and other countries are recently bending over backwards in an attempt not to offend others. After all, facial expressions and body language are among the best tools in communicating with someone."

Brian Reilly, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, says: "Cultures have always clashed; one usually, over time, overtakes the other/s and/or adopts certain characteristics of the other.

"In this case, the way some Muslims treat issues about women's rights seems unfair when looking at the clothing they make their wives or daughters wear. Indeed, American Christians treat women badly too, so we need to be careful in our discussions not to be hypocritical.

"Talk about it though we should. It seems some Muslims are extremely tribal and defensive when it comes to talking about why they do such things. Lashing out with threats and violence is how tribes in a non-civilized world deal with change that may threaten their power. Citizens try not to act that way so as to protect their own rights to speak by protecting everyone's."

But Deena Dajani of Loughborough, England, cautions: "The debate over the niqab vs the hijab has been ripe in Muslim societies for a few years now, and Muslim scholars have been rationally and respectfully discussing it among each other. This issue was not, as is mistakenly being presented, brought to the forefront by Jack Straw.

"Many Muslims, both men and women, oppose the niqab, and it is a grave mistake to once again present all Muslims as an angry mob who react to any critical comment made by a Western official. When covering a story about the niqab, care should be taken to represent all the voices within the Muslim community, especially at such critical times."

S. Sheridan of New York writes: "While the veil on women doesn't necessarily disturb me, it does raise the question of what century we live in. Though I understand many religions and societies are steeped in traditions, which provide those participants the feeling of safety and security, I would beg to ask those individuals upholding such dogmas to uncover the fears behind these traditions. What are you protecting, or defending behind the veil, would be the question on my mind.

"At what cost to personal freedom does one exchange for the feeling of safety, security and comfort, all of which are not supported by the natural laws of the universe, since everything in nature shows us it is in flux.

"Therefore is anything really safe, or is it an illusion brought on by these traditions and archaic religious dogmas? Are we mistaking "wisdom" for false sense of security? Do women really need to protect themselves with a veil? Has society provided us evidence that women are truly more empowered with a veil? Then, in that case, why not cover the eyes as well, since those are the true gateway to the soul, and certainly can be seductive?"

Ambrose Sayles, from Washington, said: "Jack Straw's comments, (while an expression of his personal opinion), were simply ridiculous. As a politician who has been elected to represent the people, Straw should certainly be more sensitive to the differences of those he represents.

"It is simply silly to request that women who are prescribing to their religion and their culture deviate from that to please his whims. As someone who represents a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds, Straw should understand that not all of his constituents will think like him, dress like him."

Halako Khan, of Syracuse, New York, says: "It is interesting to note that Mr. Straw said that he received 'positive response' from the female visitors to his office when he asked them to remove veils. I would say shame on you, sir, for taking advantage of female Muslim visitors who would visit your office to seek your help on some issues, and would feel compelled to oblige your illogical requests."

Matthew Psimos, from Crown Point in Indiana, said: "Being a strong influential politician like Mr. Straw, I find it hard to believe that he would play right into the hands of separatist Muslim ideology. It would be more beneficial in my opinion to have some restraint, because it is comments like these that give the extremist groups momentum to gain more credibility through their propaganda campaigns.

"By giving ammunition to these groups, history has shown that it will give Muslim sectors such as Hezbollah and Hamas the opportunity to draw a clear line of separation between Muslims/non-Muslims, which is exactly what they desire. Opinions like these just fuel the fire even more and give these extremist leaders the chance to gain more support. Not a good political move."

Bradford Smith, from Santa Clara in California, said: "As I read Jack Straw's comments on the veil, I didn't see any bigotry in his idea. He is simply saying that when he deals with people, he prefers to deal with their face. And, furthermore, Muslim women who chose to wear the veil (no matter what be their motive) separate themselves from the rest of society. I am highly respectful of Muslim rights to religious dress, but Straw's argument was not religious."

Jennifer Chang, from Clifton State in the U.S., said: "I believe that head scarves are an obvious and distinct method of separation of the Muslims from non-Muslims in the UK.

"Any comments expressing this reality should not be criticized nor apologized for. In Europe, many of the Muslims are in fact poor immigrants, unlike in the United States where the Muslims are educated and better off financially. In this respect, Europe still maintains an inherent class system and those at the bottom regardless of their religion will face obstacles. In France, the banning of head scarves has helped the Muslims integrate into society with less prejudice. It is a reality that everyone must accept and face."

Nadzri Md. Nor, of Putrajaya in Malaysia, said: "Wearing a veil signifies freedom of choice. Straw's comments though hidden behind the agenda of interelations of ethics are pure hypocrisy. If a piece of clothing is the true cause & stumbling block to interalations then he is not fit to be a diplomat. Judge not what others wear physically but by the character that they display."

Rashid Ibrahim, from Baltimore in the American state of Maryland, said: "One has to consider the wisdom behind the veil for women. The wisdom behind the veil is for the protection of the woman. It is not oppressive, rather, it is empowering.

"In a world rampant with sexuality and nakedness, it is refreshing to see a veiled woman with a strong statement about her body: judge her by the contents of her mind, not her body. It is also sign of obedience to the Almighty Allah."

Samantha Finch, from Royalton, Vermont, said: "I agree and support Jack Straw. This part of the Muslim dress that covers the face I have always found offensive. It is a sign of a religion that has gone too far. To be a person is to have an identity, a big part of that identity is having a face.

"How can a group of people be effective members of their religion or society in general when their face is always covered? I, for one, will never accept reasons or excuses as to the value of a veil. I support women wearing a head scarf if they so choose, but the veil over the face expresses a form of enslavement, inferiority, inequality and defeminization."

Jackie Lewis, from Harrow in the United Kingdom, said: "I have to agree with Jack Straw's comments on the Islamic veil.

"I am personally offended to see any woman covered up in the 21st century. I often see them wearing the full burka in Harrow, yet they are always accompanied by men in baseball caps, jeans and trainers. As with a lot of faiths there are always double standards between the sexes."

Muhammad Hayat, from Castelo Branco in Portugal, wrote: "Jack Straw respects liberty but he doesn't want to challenge freedom of expression. He is not against the veil but if he looks deep into his own culture, how many styles and dresses will he find not in conformity with his "rationale."

"Should he then introduce a unique style for all? The fact is the West which takes such pride in "freedom of expression" for all, now seems to be repenting and losing its "tolerance." Some people in the West think they have the right to do everything but are not prepared to see others enjoying the same free well!

Yeshwant Panchikal, from Bangalore in India, said: "They leave their home countries because of economic reasons. They want a better life in the West, and once there, start behaving in this fanatical fashion.

"If they feel that the Christian West does not accept the way they are, what is preventing them from emigrating and settling down in Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan ... or that matter Somalia. In the West also, it's high time you guys realized that being too liberal and "politically correct" also has its grave risks. You are harboring a terrible problem in your own house and you don't want to face it!"

Matt Cutugno, from New York, said: "Why do Muslim women wear veils? Because they are considered unequal, lesser, than their men and thus required to demonstrate modesty. That's the kind of separateness that Muslims themselves should condemn, but don't."

Manish Chowdhary, from Gurgaon in India, said: "I fully agree with views of Jack Straw. Muslims should appreciate that Prophet Mohammed founded Islam during very difficult times, entire Arab world was in flames, people were killing each other for no reason, and to protect women from being exposed to marauders the prophet suggested veils for women.

"Secondly, Muslims are living in Europe by their own choice, and they should respect the local tradition of Europe where women enjoy equal rights like their menfolks."

D Harris, from Pyeongtak, South Korea, said: "Wow, I'm really getting tired about what Muslims are getting tired and/or upset about. First it was the cartoons, then the pope's comments and now this (I'm sure I've missed a heap in between). I'm not sure if I should be angry with them or against the media for its constant coverage of it."

David Morris, from Sydney, Australia, said: "Our decent and civil western society bows too easily to cries from the Muslim community. I fully support the statements made by the British cabinet minister.

"Muslims promote difference to the world whether they are blowing up innocent people or shouting hysterically and promoting voilence because the pope spoke the truth. They enter our world, enjoy the same freedoms yet cry foul when someone has the guts to stand up to the way their lifestyle separates them from us. It's about time we called their bluff and told them to return to their own Muslim-based country if they want to behave in this manner."

Lea Badwy, from Miami in Florida, said: "It is a Muslim women's right to choose to wear the veil. As it is the right for any other women to choose shoes, a dress or pants she would like to wear. I am American and have married a Muslim man from Egypt. A Muslim women wears the whole veil so that only her husband may view her beauty, it is a treasure they don't want to share with the whole world. What is wrong with that?

"Most societies don't shun people going around half undressed; which seems to turn rape or some kind of abuse. Why should we shun people that want to be fully dressed and keep their bodies private? It is a choice that a Muslim woman makes of her own accord and it should be left up to the individual women, that is what freedom of choice is about ... or am I wrong?

Steven Derwin, from Manchester in the UK, said: "I feel Jack Straw's are being manipulated by those with most to gain. In Western societies an intrinsic part of a conversation is to read, and react, to a person's facial expressions.

"Should you choose to hide your face this automatically highlights a difference between you and the rest of society. Ultimately this would lead to a separation from the majority. However, this does not mean that the majority do not accept your right to wear a veil or to practice your religion. I think the people who have reacted angrily to Jack Straw's comments are looking to find prejudice where there is none. What Jack Straw said is a simple fact not a criticism of Muslims or Islam."

Jason Finegan, from Little Elm in Texas, said: "Muslims often criticize many aspects of Western culture. Many of their criticisms are valid and no "outrage" occurs as a result. At least none that is reported in the media. When a Westerner, like in this latest example Jack Straw, makes a reasoned and reasonable criticism about a facet of Islamic culture the news outlets are quick to report about "outrage" coming in response from Muslims. Jack Straw's comments were not a religious criticism.

Female face and head coverings help a culture continue to objectify and control their women. And it helps to further isolate and alienate one culture from another. As far as I can tell, both of those purposes are in fact the desired outcome. Westerners may criticize Muslims for this, while Muslims may be righteously outraged by such talk. I think it comes down to this ... a Muslim woman wearing a face covering in a Western society is seen as a direct message: 'I completely reject you and your society, but I plan to live and raise a family here anyway.'

In other words, it is taken on a very base instinctual level as a territorial threat and an insult. And yet, there is no "outrage pouring from Westerners" about this insult. Just isolated criticism."

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A woman attends a 2004 conference in London campaigning for the protection of Muslim women's right to wear the veil.

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