Public peace and safety, and the rule of law, are paramount

Submitted by Michael S. (United States), Sep 7, 2016 at 08:38

Hello, Iftikhar.

I disagree with you about religious freedom, but agree with you about women's rights and other matters.

Concerning religious freedom, you said,

"Where then is the freedom of religion and association and the liberty of individuals which your common laws and constitution guarantees. Hope u aren't telling me that it is all double standard...
Muslim women just seem to be free pickings these days. Can't win either way. Persecuted for being heretics from one side and persecuted for being fundamentalists the other. '

There is no "double standard" here. The UK is a Christian country, and has been since Roman times, long before its founding. It would truly be a "double standard", for the UK today to embrace a way of life dictated by Qur'an. Concerning "constitution guarantees", note that the UK does not HAVE a constitution; it is ruled by tradition and precedence.

Concerning women's rights, you are correct... as far as one can be "correct" in these things. Women in all cultures are under tremendous social pressures: In the Islamic world, their lives are in jeopardy if they step out of line; and in the West, they are under incredible pressure to become sex symbols and please men. Neither is a pleasant situation. I imagine there are many Muslim women who, as you infer, PREFER to be modest; and in the case at issue, I consider the burqini to be modest and attractive swimwear; I imagine also, that there are many Western women who WANT to look sexy to men, and bare the flesh. Unfortunately, these two desires oppose one another at places like public beaches; and it is no surprize to me, that conflicts have arisen there. If "women's rights" were the paramount concern here, you would be correct; but in this case, I believe society's right to live in peace and safety is more important: I support the RIGHT of the French and other governments, to choose whether to allow or ban certain items of clothing.

You said,

"I think that the mistake we are making is that we are allowing those the further right and those of the further left, making arguments for or against this issue and trying to pull society apart but of course that destabilisation is exactly what those who wish our society ill, would want!"

I think that those who want to pull society apart, are those who prefer to see a continuing of cultural confrontation in their public places. The French government has its own way of dealing with these matters, the Saudis another and the Chinese Communists yet another. In every case, the rule of law needs to be respected As the Bible admonishes Christians,

Romans 13:
[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Paul wrote this sometime during the days of the variously lunatic emperors Caligula, Claudius and Nero. If it is the Christian's duty to obey the likes of these, how much more is it the duty of Christians and non-Christians alike, in democratic countries like France, to obey their rather lenient rules.

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