Australian National University Arab and Islamic studies lecturer Dr Raihan Ismail (pictured) believes banning the burqa could create more isolation for women
A university academic has taken part in the controversial burqa debate, saying banning the burqa would allow men to control women more.
Australian National University Arab and Islamic studies lecturer Dr Raihan Ismail told Daily Telegraph women would become more isolated if the Australian government banned the burqa.
‘Let’s say that some women are actually forced to wear a niqab by an oppressive husband or father or brother who controls them,’ Dr Ismail said.
‘If you banned the niqab they would be further isolated and the oppression would continue in another form.’
While Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is against the idea to ban the burqa, former prime minister Tony Abbott supports the move, calling the burqa a ‘confronting’ and ‘imprisioning’ garment.
‘Maybe we do need to think about whether this garment is appropriate to be worn in places that are dedicated to upholding Australian values,’ Mr Abbott told 2GB.
The discussion comes after Nationals MP George Christensen’s motion, calling on the government to ban burqas.
‘I do believe quite strongly that full facial coverings should be banned in all government buildings and in public areas,’ Mr Christensen wrote on his Facebook page.
Dr Ismail told News Corp some women covered their faces for cultural reasons and if they were forced not to wear the burqa, it could cause discomfort.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (pictured) seized on the poll, saying burqas in public places put ‘the entire country at risk’
Senator Hanson wore a burqa into the Senate recently (pictured) claiming no security guards asked for her ID
‘One woman told me she was sexually abused as a child and the niqab was her way of dealing with her traumatic past and protecting herself,’ she said.
‘If they have worn it since they were young they might fell uncomfortable without it.’
A Sky News/ReachTEL found 44 per cent of people strongly supported banning the burqa in public places, while a further 13 per cent supported it.
‘If you banned the niqab they would be further isolated and the oppression would continue in another form,’ Dr Ismail told News Corp (stock image)
The discussion comes after Nationals MP George Christensen’s motion, calling on the government to ban burqas (stock image)
Of the more than 2800 people surveyed, 19 per cent strongly opposed a ban, 12 per cent opposed, while the rest were undecided.
Mr Turnbull said the federal parliament did not have the power to ban the burqa but legally people are already required to show their faces for identity purposes.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Ismail for comment.