Sweden: Ebba Busch, deputy PM & leader of the Christian Democrats, calls for a total ban on the burqa & niqab in public

[WhiskeyGrinder]

15. There's a group of people near where I live who are part of a Christian sect (which still has its roots in Sweden, as an

aside.)

The kids go to public school but are subject to cultural restrictions that aren't surprising -- no TV or popular music, dating only within the sect, not a high priority for educating girls (many of whom get pregnant and drop out before graduation), etc. It's tough to see bright kids growing up in an environment where you know they'll be restricted in beliefs and experiences, particularly the girls; having a full-time job is discouraged and their role is to get married and have kids. It's difficult to leave the sect -- I know of a couple, but it's arduous, and often simply much easier to stay in it.

The married women are not allowed to wear pants in public. They can wear leggings with tunics, but not pants. Does banning tunics in this free and open society help them or harm them? Does it help or harm the wider community? Is the tunic the problem? Is any of it?