I am a 75 year old product of the "old Toronto" (largely Protestant Christians) whose grandmother was discriminated against when she arrived in Canada in 1908 (by signs in stores advertising sales vacancies but stating "no Irish need apply"). Yet, my grandmother was also a member of the Orange Lodge, which discriminated against Roman Catholics.

Until I entered U of T, I had never talked to a jew or a black. When I did, I found them acceptable as friends. In 1968, while interviewing job applicants, I met my first Sikh. I had to mentally talk to my self to concentrate on his words and not on his appearance. He turned out to be a fabulous employee. In time, my department expanded to include both a muslim and a Chinese Canadian woman - all of which added to its strength.   

I have become used to muslim women wearing the hijab. But, I still am uncomfortable with the niqab. Why? I suspect because I have not yet had a meaningful personal interaction.

Time is the answer; not a ban.