'meaningful personal interaction'
    Not possible to have one when the other person is covering their face, facial and body expressions.
   They want us to know them and then judge? How can one know them in the body and facial garb they are in.
   Comparing that to a Sikh man? Not appropriate illustration for obvious reasons.  
   Am all for understanding and giving time. But allowing burka and niqab is empowering and encouraging the Imams and families to continue to control and oppress their women folk in the name of 'religion'.