French niqab law deserves support | Columnists | Opinion | Toronto Sun

While I have no patience for the niqab on any number of levels, as it is a rejection of an open and integrated society, an outright ban in all circumstances is another matter. A more selective approach where there are clear identification and security reasons (e.g., airports, public transport, government offices), or where the impact on social cohesion is significant (e.g., schools, citizenship ceremonies) is preferable.

In a democratic society, people have choices on how much to engage or not. And society has a choice on how far to accommodate such practices or not as well.

But when columnists state Saudi Arabia as a model for non-negotiations, the debate has sunk very low.

French niqab law deserves support | Columnists | Opinion | Toronto Sun.