Thank you for that interesting view of the niqab. I am not Muslim, but view the use of a burka as self-ghettoization (voluntarily wearing a burka is hiding oneself in public, separating one from others) at best, or chauvinism at the worst (blaming woman for man's sexual interest). On the other hand, we are a free nation that defends human rights and the right to wear what you want. It is a quandary to balance these competing issues. It only confuses the issue to add a religious factor to it. Prof. Qadeer disputes this connection. So removing religion, we are left with interfering with cultural practice when we ban niqabs or burkas. Canada has a sorry history when it comes to trying to suppress culture and force assimilation (think First Nations). I really am undecided about the whole issue.