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I agree with most of what you say. I see no problem with girls wearing headscarfs. Or rather while I do have a problem with the notions of gender and sexuality that such behaviour presumes, I think that in daily life people should be able to live by their own values. Same goes for acknowledging religious celebrations of various faiths.  I am not sure just how far society should go in accomodating such behaviour. Should a school which has co-ed gym class create a special segregated one for those who object? Should a school allow parents to withdraw from sex-ed classes? Should a town have special hours for the town pool which are for women only?  I don't know.

On the other hand society should clearly draw the line at enforcement and protect those who do not wish to abide by their community's social norms. If a girl from a fundy family (of any faith) is beaten at home for flirting, that's a crime. If a kid turns out to be  gay, the religious beliefs of the parents are no defense against child abuse. If an adult rejects everything about their parents' values, that's their right and should have the right to do so free from harassment. If she is harassed, she can get restraining orders against her family. If parents feel the science class violate their religious values, too bad.  If an adult has a problem with working in a gender mixed environment, he or she is going to have a hard time finding a job.  If he rejects having a woman, or a non white, or a Muslim as a boss, he's fired.

by MarekNYC on Mon Feb 6th, 2006 at 11:52:31 AM EST

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