Guardian: The prime minister has made it clear he would not oppose a parliamentary ban on the burqa, saying he found it “confronting” and, although people should be free to wear what they want, the rules of secure buildings needed to be obeyed.
The issue of banning the burqa in Parliament House was raised last week by the Liberal senator Cory Bernardi as the government introduced national security reforms to the parliament.
At Bernardi’s request, Speaker Bronwyn Bishop has requested an independent security assessment of the risks facial coverings in parliament and there could be a ruling from security advisers to ban it.
While Tony Abbott has emphasised national security reforms and discussions were not aimed at any particular section of the community he said the issue of the burqa was about clothing in secure buildings where identifying people was important.
“I have said before that I find it a fairly confronting form of attire. Frankly, I wish it was not worn but we are a free country, we are a free society and it is not the business of government to tell people what they should and shouldn’t wear,” he said in Canberra.
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