Two bus drivers in Auckland did not let two women from Saudi Arabia get on their bus. This happened on two separate occasions. Both women were wearing a burqa – full length body covering, head covering and face veil. Both bus drivers said they were nervous about allowing someone onto their bus when they could not see the face of that person.
The Saudi Arabian Consul-General has written to the Human Rights Commissioner. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, John Key, said that in this country we do not discriminate against people because of their religious or cultural beliefs. The head of the bus company said that if the drivers do that again, they will lose their jobs.
Meanwhile the union representative said a few drivers were worried about safety. They remembered the terrorist attack on a bus in London. Although New Zealand has been safe from terrorism, there is concern about security during the Rugby World Cup.
It is not common to see women wearing a burqa in New Zealand. This is the first time there has been a problem like this.
Questions
France has banned the face veil in public places and many other countries are thinking about doing the same. Is this because of the fear of terrorism?
Motor cyclists have to remove their helmet before they enter a bank. Are women wearing a burqa allowed into a bank?
Our laws ban discrimination on the basis of race or religion. What do you think the Human Rights Commissioner will say about this case?