Why is religious belief privileged?

[chickenfeet]

I find the debates over the wearing of veils interesting. Generally speaking I think that if someone wants to wear a veil they should. Not because it's part of their religion but because I can't think of a good reason why they shouldn't. I note though that the debate is couched almost entirely in religious terms. That prompts me to ask the question why religious beliefs should be held to justify behaviour that would be be banned or discouraged if indulged in because of other beliefs, however deeply held. For example, why should a committed nudist not be permitted to meet Mr. Jack Straw or attend a lecture at Imperial College in a state of undress? They certainly couldn't be held to be a security risk! It might be argued that nudity offends some people but that, of course, is precisely the argument used against veils.

Comments

[sollersuk.livejournal.com]

There seems to be some confusion between clothes that cover the body (the choice is yours) and something that covers the mouth (that among other things prevents you from speaking to someone who lipreads). Moreover, English social intercourse tends to start with smiling at a neighbour at the bus stop of the school gate, and if you don't know if they are smiling back it is difficult to know when you can progress to "Good Morning!"

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I have lots of "nod and smile" acquaintances locally. But if they were veiled, how would you even know whether you were nodding and smiling at the same woman?

The chances of me ever getting a veiled student is as near zero as makes no difference, so this is a purely hypothetical problem, but I would not be happy to try to teach someone whose face I couldn't see. How would I know whether she understandood the work or not? I need to be able to see when people are looking baffled so I can leap in and offer help.

[sollersuk.livejournal.com]

Agreed. In many circumstances there are differences between what the speech says and what the face says. Even without leaping in, there are different expressions that can go with "No, I'm fine" which can denote ""Really I'm fine" or "Really I'm struggling"