Belgian ban on full veils comes into force

[Platapus]

Would I be allowed to walk the streets of Washington, London, Paris, or Berlin (or name your capital of choice) wearing a mask that obscured my identity?

If the answer is no, then women should not be allowed to wear a full veil.

If the answer is yes, then women should be allowed to wear a full veil.

After all businesses can still restrict doing business with people who conceal their identity (banks do it) and private citizens can always restrict access to private property to anyone who conceals their identity.

So this really comes down to public property and government facilities.

Are there any laws that would prevent me from walking down the street, minding my own business, wearing a mask that conceals my identity?

I am not aware of any in the United States but I don't know about other countries.

[Anthony W.]

You know, I'm fine if they wear them to the supermarket and around town, but they need to be banned in ID photos, at airports and other large gathering places, and anywhere else ID is required.

I hope the US passes laws like that, too.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Anthony W.

You know, I'm fine if they wear them to the supermarket and around town, but they need to be banned in ID photos, at airports and other large gathering places, and anywhere else ID is required.

I hope the US passes laws like that, too.

I'm honestly not aware if it is the case but are you implying they can wear full veils when having a passport photo taken?

[Gerald]

By extension, this could well mean a standard in the EU, it will be forbidden to hide his face, regardless of the ethnic culture he belongs.

[Jimbuna]

Nothing ever beats equality.

[Gerald]

And as usual it is controlled by politicians, whether it should be so or not.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Vendor

And as usual it is controlled by politicians, whether it should be so or not.

Most unusual for us westerners...politicians always know best

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Platapus

Would I be allowed to walk the streets of Washington, London, Paris, or Berlin (or name your capital of choice) wearing a mask that obscured my identity?

it depends. For example in many European countries it is forbidden to cover your face while participating in a demonstration. In some countries, like Germany, even wearing clothes like leather jackets can be seen as "passive armament" if your wear it at those occasions.
Cultural events, like carnival or Halloween are exempt.

Originally Posted by Platapus

After all businesses can still restrict doing business with people who conceal their identity (banks do it) and private citizens can always restrict access to private property to anyone who conceals their identity.

Same here, contrary to libertarian beliefs, we also have freedom of business here. You may deny to do business with people you don't want to deal with - however other laws, like anti-discramination laws also come to play.

Originally Posted by Platapus

So this really comes down to public property and government facilities.

Are there any laws that would prevent me from walking down the street, minding my own business, wearing a mask that conceals my identity?

I am not aware of any in the United States but I don't know about other countries.

What about Public Indecency laws? Don't they also restrict the freedom to wear what you like? Apparently they are not unconstitutional in the US.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Penguin

What about Public Indecency laws? Don't they also restrict the freedom to wear what you like? Apparently they are not unconstitutional in the US.

Interesting point, but I think those indecency laws deal with my showing too much "identification" not too little

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Platapus

Interesting point, but I think those indecency laws deal with my showing too much "identification" not too little

It was the only thing that came to mind regarding (non-)dressing restrictions on public property. I wonder however if those funny Gartenzwerge from the KKK side with islamic fundamentalists for the right to wear a burqa....

(Note: I do not compare people who are against dress restrictions with the Klan)

Well, Costumes on Holloween that cover the face will disappear.
It's a fact that covering your face makes you a target.
So No more hideing your face while you carry bombs under your clothes.
Next week?
Skin tight clothes will be required so We can see if your hideing a bomb shaped object.
But that might not work so everyone must go naked from now on!!
It's all in the cause of Security mind you!!

[Gerald]

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by privateer

But that might not work so everyone must go naked from now on!!

Right, that's sorted then...only women can go 'Trick or Treating' from now on