Mask Confusion
How might reasonable villagers view the wearing of a niqab during a Canadian citizenship ceremony?
I believe we should separate policy from social bias. We don’t react with venom when individuals dress up for Halloween or for a costume party. We understand when individuals wear balaclavas, scarves, and hoods to keep cold at bay.
When governments allow discriminatory bias to color policy; we erode fairness and simplicity. I developed a decision tree to help determine when rules would be consistent with the public interest. Here are my perceptions concerning the potential insistence that a woman be forced to remove her niqab during her citizenship ceremony.
Does the action follow the rule of law?
I understand Canada has passed a law outlawing the wearing of masks during riots and unlawful assemblies. This scenario is not germane to a citizenship ceremony. If no law prevents the wearing of a niqab during a citizenship ceremony; why would we force the removal of the niqab? When an immigrant starts the immigration journey; a process should ensure the identity of the individual. This might be photo identity, fingerprinting, eye scans, DNA samples, or some other idiot-proof identifier. Whatever identifier was agreed to at the start of immigration proceedings could be used to ensure the right person is granted citizenship. With no law in place to prevent the wearing of a mask during a citizenship ceremony; why would a government discriminate against an individual?
Does the action protect the individual’s right to act independently as long as the individual does not initiate force?
With no force; there’s no foul and there should be no restriction. Males must be informed at the start of immigration proceedings that women have equal rights in Canada and no man has the right to force any woman to wear a niqab or any particular costume.
Does the action protect diversity?
Just the opposite.
Does the action protect against discrimination?
Just the opposite.
Does the action protect from the concentration of power?
Tolerance of discrimination in our governance encourages more instances of discrimination which encourages concentration of power. We should resist concentration of power, at every turn, so we preserve, and enhance, freedom.
Does the action have the support of the majority of the population who will pay any public cost equally?
The nicab question doesn’t raise public cost issues; so the question is not relevant to this enquiry.
Conclusion
It’s clear to me the wearing of a niqab during a citizenship ceremony is acceptable and consistent with freedom, respect, and tolerance.