The face veil is a threat to security, a symbol of oppression and an affront to women’s rights, which are protected in Western law.
Even Angela Merkel said that the full-face veil should be banned in Germany “wherever it is legally possible.”
The agenda of Muslim MP Muna Duzdar of the Social Democratic Party is plain. In addition to the clear hitches presented by the burka, it’s as if there is an attempt by Duzdar, as well as many others, to erase the history and role Christianity has played in the development and evolution of Western democratic ideals.
What is often presented as efforts to be fair, equitable and inclusive are instead assaults on Christianity and its longstanding contributions to Western civilization. Does Islam not have enough symbols, reminders and displays in Islamic states? Imagine if Christians emigrated to Muslim countries and began to openly suggest that Muslim symbols be removed, beginning with burkas and niqabs.
“Muslim MP calls for government to BAN Christian symbols after burka outlawed in Austria”, by Katie Mansfield, Express, February 3, 2017:
Austria’s coalition government announced the ban on the burka and niqab in public spaces such as courts and schools on Monday in a bid to counter the rise of the far-right Freedom Party, whose candidate nearly won last month’s presidential vote.
The ruling Social Democratic party (SPÖ) and the centre-right Austrian People’s party (ÖVP) is also considering a more general ban on civil servants wearing religious symbols.
The agreement said: “We believe in an open society that is also based on open communication. Full-body veils in public spaces stand against that and will therefore be prohibited.”
The term used would apply to the Muslim burka and niqab, which cover all or most of the face. It was not immediately clear whether the ban would include other non-Muslim garments.Austria, a predominantly Catholic country, is home to around 600,000 Muslims in a total population of about 8.7million.
ÖVP Secretary Harald Mahrer said: “We are 100 per cent united in the federal government that Austria is a liberal constitutional state of the West and a Western-oriented democracy, and in the presence of the state authority the wearing of religious symbols can be against a certain principle of neutrality”.
He added “it is about wearing the symbols” rather than crosses being hung on the walls of schools.
Muslim MP and SPÖ member Muna Duzdar has now asked if the law will be extended to remove crosses from the walls of Austrian schools and courtrooms.
Ms Duzdar told Kronen Zeitung the government must be questioned on what it means by “neutrality”.
She said: “The principle of neutrality is not a headscarf ban.”
The SPÖ secretary said she intended to discuss the matter with all religious communities.
She said: “The ÖVP has asked for a headscarf ban, and we said we would like to discuss the relationship between religion and the state.”
Several European countries have made similar bans with France and Belgium introducing a burka ban in 2011.
Last month Chancellor Angela Merkel said the full-face veil should be banned in Germany “wherever it is legally possible”…..

andra says
Typical Muslim. So called modertate Muslims usually claim that the full face veil is NO religious must-have in Islam but rather a cultural tradition. But as soon as we want these things removed from our public places they begin to cry. If our beloved veil has to disappear it is only fair that all crosses are removed from all the country. I really can´t stand it any more. If they want to have Islam around them they can move to 57 islamic countries. If they want to integrate into the west they should stop trying to islamize our countries.
bernie says
In Western culture it is considered rude to hide tou face except for masquerades or Halloween or costume parties, and it is also a security threst if you cannot identify someone ( same ifcsomeone alwaysvgoes around in a ski nask or a ninja mask).
However, if someone wants to wear a regular hijab, or a snall crucifix or Star of David, or a Sijh turban or Buddhist or Hindu robes, then at least you can see their face and you can identify them.
andra says
Nevertheless I don´t accept a headscarf anymore as a headscarf characterizes me as western woman as fair game. Our western mothers and grandmothers have marched for more rights, for getting rid of any dress code and I don´t want to get any dress code back just because our governments ignore the dangers of islamic Immigration.
BC says
This idea that all religions are equal must be countered. Only Islam is aggressive and seeks domination over all other religions. It is like saying the Nazis were equal to all the other political parties. Once Hitler became Chancellor he banned all the other parties. Their leaders were either in camps or had to flee the country
La La says
Yes I too am very very tired of these Muslims, I wish they would move back to the Muslim countries where they can live their oppressed lives, that they enjoy so much, and stop pushing it on the rest of us.
They should leave the west alone with their Islamic cult.
Malcolm (SouthAfria) says
Christians in Iraq, Syria, Yemen,Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, are discriminated against, kidnapping, murder, rape are a regular occurrence, against the christian community. Not to mention homes, churches destroyed. For a side show they video, the mass beheading of Christians, the Crucifixion of Christians,
Have we heard of any justice be done by islamic authorities?
These atrocities are committed by ordinary muslims who practice islam and boast of their symbols, are the same ilk that immigrate to Western Countries.
So do we really care on this site about their silly symbols which they use, the attention would be better placed on those suffering their oppression.
Christians in Turkey subjected to rising hate speech: Protestant Church report.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/christians-in-turkey-subjected-to-rising-hate-speech-protestant-church-report-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=109235&NewsCatID=341
Lesley says
The problem is that acclimating us to the symbols they use are a precursor to oppressing us in own societies, and also a security threat (as would be walking around in a ski mask, in the case of niqab).
Shmooviyet says
Agreed.
Yes we must care about the “silly symbols” because of what the bearer more often means to telegraph to others. If I’m offered a taxi covered in “put down your arrogance, pick up the quran” stickers, I’ll pass.
Jihad “leaders” have encouraged their death squad soldiers to dress in Western fashion– lose the symbols, the better to blend in at the shopping centre, airport, train station.
Also, there is much attention paid on this site to the horrors being done to Christians. Articles, comments, links. Reports rarely touched by so-called conservative sites, let alone the comrades at MSM.
utis says
She has a right to say what she thinks. The Austrian government has an obligation to say “No way.”
Too many governments are running over the rights of non-Muslims in order to cringe before Muslim whims. I am sure this is as much about fear for their own physical safety as it is to curry votes from a mouthy minority. It’s not PC to criticize religious ideology, but real democracy can kick the crap out of its government flunkies. Europe needs to start doing that.
It’s sad that Austria is caving to its leftards and religious bigots, when they beat back Islam at the Battle of Vienna. Of course, they did get help from the Polish army.
Richard Paulsen says
In what way aremuslims refugees? Demanding the same they came from. Why can muslims not return forever to their countries of origin, being muslim countries. Ruled by the same law they demand in other countries they falsely claim they are escaping to asking fpr protection. It is these countries in need of protection from muslims and their islam and islamic laws and political systems.
Why are muslim countries members of the UN? Since they do not respect the UN charter followong their own based on the Cairo declaration
Mulsim countries having received and receive billions of dollars and Euros, still not developing, just demanding more from non-Muslim countries.
This can not go on if Europe does not want to become ruled by muslims and islam.
Treacheorous parties and persons betraying Europe.
cs says
Ah, the Pallies and its descendants. lovely people, great contribution…
Bradthefuzz says
Face coverings conceal identity. Crosses do not conceal identity. Symbolism is just a convenient way to cover up the real issue of the strategy and motives of concealing identity for nefarious reasons.
robm says
50 shades of buffoonery
FP says
Austria has a rich Christian past, thus the symbols should stay. It does not have an Islamic past, except in the sense that it repelled Islamic invaders at Vienna. If the symbols are removed from courts, they will also have to be removed from all other public places. This will destroy the rich heritage, art, and culture of Austria. Muslims need to be reminded that they are guests in Europe. Governments, individuals, and the military need to frequently point this out to them. They are not special. If they want to wear a hijab, move to a Muslim country.
Veka Fitzfrancis says
That’s not true, I’m afraid. The Hapsberg Empire made three religions legal, Catholicism, Judaism and Islam. This was done after they absorbed a number of previously Ottoman territories. As long as the Muslims behaved themselves, they were allowed to worship in peace. Those that caused problems they eliminated with prejudice. Austria needs to return to her Hapsberg roots.
FP says
I stand corrected! And I agree that those who misbehave (even sowing discord) should be dealt with decisively.
Carolyne says
I am an Atheist, but if there were a law banning the wearing of crosses, I would wear one in solidarity with Christians.
CrossWare says
That is why we should stop playing their games! They are better at lying and cheating! Stop handling them as a religion and see them for what they are really: a totalitarian political ideology. Once we revoke their religion status they can be handled like their ideological cousins: Nazis and Communists.
Stan Lee says
I presume that Muslims should be well aware that they have sought refuge in a dominantly Christian Austria. I doubt that Austria begged any Muslims to immigrate to their nation, but Muslims have an arrogance to other faiths, therefore they make demands against religious symbols of Christianity in particular. Jews, Buddhists, or Hindus make no such demands out of respect for Austria’s ancient legacy.
Behind any Muslim encroachment is their covert scheme to out-produce the birth rates of any other, religious group, which becomes their measure for whom should govern a country.
Austria should emphasize that its Christianity and its symbols stay! Islam will have enough Islamic symbols decorating its mosques, and its mosques will be propagated wherever they can erect one unless Austria places a restriction upon what is deemed as excessive to Austria.
It is obvious that Muslims need to STAY in Muslim countries, Islam is a theology of conquest and forced conversion, therefore it is incompatible with any other faiths.
Austria and the rest of the EU, you have been squandering the strong Christianity you have had, and shown no strength to Islam, which is the only characteristic Islam respects….STRENGTH.
Anne Smith says
Good points Mr Lee.
Renee says
Double chinned MP with veiled double agenda.
jayell says
Which buildings in Austria carry crucifixes? I suppose there is no need for them if the building has no connection with Christianity. But if it does, the crucifix would be integral to the building. This would no doubt include a lot of schools. This is, however, a different issue from the question of acceptable public behaviour, which would include a dress code. Austria no doubt has ‘decency’ laws which prescribe what may or may not be exposed in public, and it is understood that if you wish to live in Austria, you respect that. On the same priciple, the Austrians have made it clear that they “believe in an open society that is also based on open communication. Full-body veils in public spaces stand against that and will therefore be prohibited.” So that is also part of the dress-code, and if you wish to live in Austria, you respect it. Or else get out.
PS – I think we all notice that muslims are all too ready to try and lay down the law on public dress code in non-muslim countries to suit themselves, even when it is completely beyond their remit and absolutely none of their business. Yet here we have them playing the ‘liberal thinking protagonist’ because, as usual, they want to have their way whatever. One day they might find a way of stopping playing the sploit brat.
Wellington says
Imagine the reverse situation in a Muslim country. See, it’s hard to even imagine.
Angemon says
Are those religious symbols covering the face and making it impossible to tell who’s who, like the niqab and burka? If not, there’s no possible comparison. And from the reporting, it seems that the term used for the prohibition just happens to encompass those two pieces of clothing because they cover the face, as opposed to banning them on religious grounds. So no, banning the burka and niqab does not need to be balanced with removing Christian symbols from state grounds.
efoc says
Remember she’s the “good” cop in this battle. The “bad” cop will blow up Christian churches, rape Christians and kill them. The “good” cop will aim to remove Christian symbols and influence from public life in a legal way. Both Islamic cops have the same end: the destruction of Christianity so Islam can fill the vacuum and impose itself over non-Muslims. There’s no mistake about this.
Pal says
Oh, Muslim muslima Muna, if you happen to fall between my two long arms I would send you back to your Middle East origin to sense from inside how islamic billy-goats love riding their females in order to understand the lesson of what Austrian and European civilization mean and rectify your anti-Sorbonne law degree notion on which side of the Earth sun rises up !!
Pal says
She was born 1968, Vienna. Parents Palestinians. She graduated and specialized Law at universities in Vienna, Paris, ending with MA in Law of the Arab countries. Long time MP from the Socialist party, first member of government of such origin, chair of Austrian-Palestinian Society.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muna_Duzdar
george payne says
The houses of Yathrib being too small, people had to go outside to answer the call of nature.Women went out at nightfall. Dissolute individuals followed them, & made advances to them. These scoundrels pursued in particular, slaves, but in the darkness they could not distinguish free women from slaves, since they all wore robes & head coverings. The Almighty revealed these verses; ‘O Prophet, tell your wives, your daughters & your women believers to wrap their outer garments around them, for this makes it more likely that they will be recognized & not be harassed’. 33-59 (Al-Wahidi)17. Seems good advice, if you’re going to the loo in a public place, cover up!
Terry says
I would say (AS A NON CHRISTIAN) LET MUSLIMS WEAR CRESCENT MOONS WITH A STAR AROUND THEIR NECK, as Christians do with crosses; crucifixes, etc.
As to head scarves- I see nothing wrong with them, as LONG AS THE FACE IS NOT OBSCURED AND BLOCKED.
(I know of- (we met a few times) and older lady who ALWAYS hears a head scarf. She has some disease ( not c)- that caused her hair to fall out; and finds wigs uncomfortable. Nothing wrong with that- for any woman who wants to cover her hair, head, etc- for whatever reason.
But the face has to be uncovered.
My views
somehistory says
If she lived in Afghanistan back in 2000-2003, she would not be allowed to *hold* a political office. She would not be allowed outside without her male relative, his whip handy with which to beat her. and she would not have been going to school.
She wants to force Christians to live as she and her cohorts in islam slime decide for them to live. Such arrogance and lying…trying to equate the face covering with a simple piece of jewelry…If she can’t worship the beast as she pleases…and she isn’t wearing a burqa…then no one can worship another, a Real and True God…except on her terms.
islam is from satan and is trying to force all to worship that demon.
Carolyne says
After our invasion of Afghanistan, I saw a video on the news where an Afghan man was hitting a woman with a stick for no apparent reason. One of our military stopped him. I was so proud of that young man stopping the barbarian. But under Obama, such an action would likely bring him a Court Martial.
abad says
I thought Islam forbade its women to hold positions in office?
Glenda the Good says
In a perfect world where we did not have to deal with terrorist attacks I would say that covering one’s face is an option to that person. Mind you, you should not enter secure facilities with a face mask on such as a bank or legislative building. I am pretty sure they will get excited.
The fact is we do not live in a perfect world. We have had increasing violence perpetrated upon primarily Christians, but upon muslims too. This changes everything.
If the portion of the Islamic community that claims that they oppose violence wants to be taken seriously they need to come out strongly against this terrorism activity. They have been absent as far as I am concerned in regards to the violence we are seeing in the middle east and now in Europe and the US.
How can anyone take someone who claims to be from the religion of peace who sits back and allows those who profess to be of the same religion causing death and destruction as they are. I suggest that if Islam wants to be considered seriously as a member of the world community they need to get after their violent brothers and end this needless and mindless violence. Then maybe a request for some religious tolerance might get an interested hearing from those of us who are not of their faith.
Arthur says
Presumably the law prevents Muslims, Christians, Jews, and anyone else from wearing clothes which obscure the face. So, it prevents Christians from wearing a burka as much as Muslims. The law is completely equal across various religions, it is plain to see.
Maria Sederholm says
Muslim MP Muna Duzdar of the Social Democratic Party, Austria, will be greatly helped in advancing her agenda by Julia Ebner and the Quilliam Foundation.
Below are some quotes from Julia Ebner’s article “Austria’s full-face veil ban is a kneejerk reaction to the rise of the far right”, The Guardian 1 February 2017. According to The Guardian, Julie Ebner “is an Austrian freelance journalist and a researcher at the Quilliam Foundation, where she focuses on far-right extremism in Europe. She has a background in international history, philosophy and international relations.” What a pity that Ebner isn’t focusing on Islamist extremism. If she had she might have been able to do some good.
“The veil ban is only one of the responses to the fears of large parts of the population that Austrian culture and traditions are being eroded. The mainstream media’s sensationalisation of jihadist attacks coupled with widening far-right echo chambers that spread fake news have shaped public perceptions about the links between the migration crisis and the terrorism threat. Rightwing populists have cunningly exploited the 2016 attacks in Bavaria to suit their political agenda, and the lines between Muslim refugees and potential terrorists have become increasingly blurred in the public perception.”
“But the full-face veil ban is not just illiberal, undermining the pluralistic values that our democracies are built on, it is also ineffective and even counter-productive.”
“The freedom to choose from a wide range of fashion, from corset and stockings to a full-face veil, is the fundamental right of all women.”
“Instead of criminalising clothing in public institutions they could promote an open dialogue about Islam and its traditions in such places. A culturally sensitive policy would emphasise education about the differences between true Islamic teachings and the doctrines of movements such as Islamic State.”
I suppose that what Julia Ebner means when she talks about education about “true” Islamic teachings, are those excerpts from the Quran (together with some very own interpretations of these) that are put forward by the undercover proselytes, posing as counter-extremists, in The Quilliam Foundation. Perhaps “neuroscientist” Sam Harris will be able to add his very own personal interpretation of the Islamic doctrine as a handy supplement. He seems to be more than eager to help and promote his very good friend “the Great Maajid Nawaz” in his venture. It’s not as if Harris is busy doing scientific research in the field of neuroscience, he seems to have plenty of spare time to spend on other activities. If anybody thinks that Sam Harris’s main objective is to rid the world of dangerous religious belief systems such as Islam, think again. It is my firm conviction that Sam Harris main objective actually is – Sam Harris. I wish I could believe that Maajid Nawaz’s main objective only is Majid Nawaz. I have yet to be convinced though.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/01/austria-burqa-niqab-ban-identity-wars-muslim-non-muslim
https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2015/06/23/has-sam-harris-been-busy-doing-scientific-research/
http://gatesofvienna.net/2015/12/maajid-nawaz-stealth-jihadist-exposed/
Cretius says
Yet another Muslim demanding an accommodation that is denied to non-believers by Islam. Europe is predominantly Christian. Mohammedans that do not accept that should return to their Islamic paradises.