As Livingstone debated headscarves in schools with the Fremch prime minister in The Guardian, scores of veiled women flocked to Whitechapel High Street ostensibly in the name of freedom as the Islamic Forum Europe held an Hijab Awareness Day at the East London Mosque.

All major religions appear to treat women as inferior in their history of practice and writings. This is a fact which no ammount of sophistry or hermeunetic juggling can deny.
The major social function of a religious doctrine is to replicate and reinforce dominant power structures within that culture. While I wish to respect others cultures, relatism is not an excuse for the subjugation of woman in any part of this planet. There is NO dignity in bondage. It is interesting to note that of women who seem to vocalise most support for the hijab - they appear to be middle class western professionals who have the choice, unlike many women worldwide.

Women worldwide have been raped and murdered in fighting for womens freedom against the intolerance of religous partriarchy. This is not in dispute.

The Islamic website (  http://www.islamicforumeurope.com )maintains "Contrary to international agreements granting individuals the right and the freedom to practice their faith, the French Parliament has recently adopted a ban on all religious wear which contravene these human and civil rights. The ban on religious wear deliberately targets Muslim females who wear the headscarf as a religious obligation."

While wearing special bondage clothing is mandatory in many countries any appeals to its celebrating freedom is an INSULT TO SISTERS WORLDWIDE. Make a greater call fro freedom of choice for people every where and not just the rich and and powerful and widen the debate.

PS. Interesting to see "Blair's Babes (sic)" aren't very vocal on this.