New Zealand Police Want Ban On Drivers Wearing Burqa

In New Zealand, a police union has called for a total ban on women driving while wearing a burqa. CNS News reported yesterday that the proposal came after officials instituted a new policy of only permitting female officers to check the identity of women drivers who are covered by a burqa. The Police Association said its proposal was motivated by safety concerns and concern that criminals could use a burqa to conceal their identity. This is not the first time New Zealand authorities have struggled with the issue of Muslim dress. Last year a court required Muslim women testifying in a fraud case to remove their veils-- screened from public view-- so the court could assess their demeanor during their testimony.