'Take off burkas' call by Lib Dem MEP
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 
A North West Euro MP has reignited a debate about Muslim women wearing the burka. Liberal Democrat Chris Davies says the burka "does not belong in 21st century Britain" and is calling on Muslim women in Lancashire to take them off. He made the remarks after President Sarkozy of France this week attacked the burka as an assault upon the dignity of women. Mr Davies said:
"There is no mention in the Qur'an of the burka and it is a style of dress used principally in those countries where women are treated as mere chattels of men. I believe that it does not belong in 21st century Britain.
"I have a passionate belief that women and men are equals, and both sexes should be free to express their identity through the dress they wear. In my experience, the burka acts as a mask, reducing identity and discouraging women from developing their own skills and personality. If there are men who want to use the burka to impose their own will upon women in their family they should feel the full force of society's disapproval."
Salim Mulla, vice-chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "It is absolute nonsense to say men force their partners, wives or daughters to wear the burkas. He probably needs to talk to people like myself and the Council of Mosques to educate himself about the issue. It is up to individuals if they want to wear the burka."
Lancashire Telegraph, 24 June 2009
See also Asian Image, 24 June 2009