To veil or not to veil?

The issue of whether women should veil in public has been heating up in the UK in recent months and perhaps has driven more Muslim women to me more conservative in their dress. Some Muslim women are proud to show their committment to Islam by coverting themselves, others may be pressured into it by their families as a reaction to anti-Islamic sentiment.

There is little to benefit in debating the merits of women covering up with Muslims, however there is a great deal to be learned about their respect for chastity and respect for a women's honour againt our Western popular culture of exploiting women's bodies. Ask your friend about why it is important and see where the discussion goes.

Read a number of news items to get an understanding of the issue:

	Jack Straw Opens The Debate This is were it all kicked off when the Leader of the Commons announced that he asked women constituents to uncover their faces. This story links to more BBC coverage on the issue. Look out for the useful graphics describing the different types of headdress. Open site
	Muslim Women Speak Out Report of a day conference in London's City Hall promoting the Hijab attended by 300 Muslims women.   Open site