MUSLIM women in Newport say they disagree with suggestions that wearing face veils acts as a barrier to harmonious community relations.

They also told the Argus that they did not believe the veil affected communication with others.

Leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, sparked controversy when he said he would prefer Muslim women not to wear veils which cover the face.

He argued that covering faces made communication difficult and that he had asked Muslim women at his Blackburn constituency surgeries if they would remove their veils. He also said he did not want to be "prescriptive" but that he would rather the veils were discarded completely.

But women from the Muslim Society of Gwent in Newport said they did not see why some people saw face veils, hijabs (headscarfs) or other religious dress, as any different to other clothing.

Nusrat Ali, a 26-year-old mother from Pill, says she is frustrated that what Muslim women wear has become an issue when there are issues like the state of schools and of the NHS to be discussed.

"This is such a waste of time. I'm a human just like any human. People all dress differently so why can't we choose our clothes too?"

Mrs Ali doesn't wear the veil, but does wear a hijab, and feels strongly that she, and Muslim women who wear veils, should be allowed to dress how they like: "What I wear doesn't stop me communicating with anyone.

"Clothes don't make you any different - you're just the same person."

Zahara Hussain, 16, who studies at Nash College, said: "I just don't get why this is an issue, it's just ridiculous. I don't tell anyone else what to wear.

"By bringing it up it makes it an issue, and it makes people think it is all right to comment on it.

"Clothing has nothing to do with communication."

Mera Bibi is in her 70s and has lived in Newport since moving to Wales from Pakistan 50 years ago.

"It gives an identity," she said.

Fatima Ali, 11, a student at St Julian's Comprehensive, said: "If anyone makes fun of us because of what we wear then I just think they are being stupid.

"I have friends from all different religions and it doesn't matter what they look like or what they wear."

St Julians's student Nisha Batool, 12, added: "I like wearing the hijab because it is part of my religion, and I wouldn't stop if someone asked me to. I don't think it makes me any different to anyone else."

PANEL: The Koran, Islam's holy book, tells both men and women to dress modestly, and there are different interpretations of what this means.

The hijab is a scarf that covers the hair and neck and is commonly worn by Muslim women. The niqab - a full veil which includes gloves and a veil for the face, leaving just a slit for the eyes - is rarer.

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