I am not sure I would even make this particular issue one about security. Although some include the "mask ban" arguement, I think basically how Muslims dress is not a security issue. In fact, encouraging them to dress distinctly could, arguably, be a positive security measure! For those who feel threatened by Muslims, having them dress distincively would help identify them. Kind of like letting them wear their own yellow stars, as it were, to make an extreme comparison.

In reality I see a bunch of frightened people who jump at any shadow that seems vaguely different. Living in NYC you just can't live like that because it is hard to define just what is "normal" in a place like this. I LIKE diversity and feel people should be able to dress anyway they want. Hell, in NYC women can go topless legally...not that anyone seems to do so. Some people would see that as somehow frightening as if such legal liberality would be taken as licentious license (wow...it's rare I can inadvertently hit such an alliterative streak). But somehow we manage here in NYC with such a law and with many people who dress, act and look quite distinctive.

I really see no justification for any of the anti-headscarf laws. France at least is scrupulously keeping church and state separate, which I am all for...but I don't think it has to extend to legislating acceptable outer wear. I can see somewhat more justification when it is a public official, including public school teachers. I don't necessarily LIKE it, but one could argue that as a representative of the state a clear absense of religious messages should be maintained. That is what some nations are doing. Though once again, how equally is it enforced?