London, Nov 13: The second-highest figure in the
church of England waded into the row over Muslim veils, saying
they did not conform to "norms of decency" in Britain, in a
newspaper interview published today.
Doctor John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York,
questioned whether Muslim women should expect public
acceptance for wearing the veil in Britain.
He told the Daily Mail, "Muslim scholars would say
three things. First, does it conform to norms of decency?
secondly, does it render you more secure? And thirdly, what
Kind of Islam are you projecting by wearing it?
"I think in the British context it renders you less
secure because you stick out and it brings unwelcome
attention.
"On the first question (of whether the veil conforms
to norms of decency) I don't think it does conform."
The Ugandan-born 57-year-old Archbishop said he
removed his cross when visiting a mosque or a synagogue and
covered his head in Sikh temples "because I am going into
someone else's home".
"And I can't simply say, 'take me as I am, whether
you like it or not'.
"I think the thing is in British society you can wear
what you want, but you can't expect British society to be
reconfigured around you. No minority can expect to impose
this on the public or civic life."
Meanwhile an immigration tribunal, which was adjourned
when a legal adviser refused to remove her veil after the
judge said he could not hear her clearly, was set to resume
today.
Bureau Report
