As an atheist, I think all religious garb and symbolism is ludicrous, if not offensive. And I get the argument that the niqab and burqa are potent and regressive symbols of the subjugation of women under Islam. In an ideal world, they would have no place, any more a nun's habit or a Jewish kippot.  But I fail to understand the need to single out one religion. This law simply fans the flames of intolerance in a province that has already had more than its share of vile physical attacks on Muslims. We don't really believe that the tiny handful of Muslim women who wear these garments are at risk of scamming public service, do we? That is simply a lame rationale for fear and prejudice.