ON Sunday, I filled my car up with petrol at a BP service station in the Bendigo area. I was immediately asked by the service station attendant to remove the cap on my head for security reasons.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I complied and asked whether Muslims were required to remove their burqa when entering BP stores. She replied, "On religious grounds, burqas are permitted to be worn".
I feel this response clearly does not address the issue of security - rather, power. I am a law-abiding citizen, hold a reputable employment position within the region, and I feel I am being discriminated against in my own community.
A cap shields much less than a burqa.
I feel this is unfair, offensive and nonsensical. This is clearly not about security. Are these the customary norms and/or policies we want with the implementation of the proposed mosque and promotion of Islam in Bendigo? I thought this was about cultures integrating, assimilating, and a one-size-fits-all approach.
What's your opinion?
Do you have some thoughts on this issue? Click here to send a letter to the editor.
Preference is given to letters of no more than 350 words.