As the absurd BoJo burka row rumbles on – more a function of the internal politics of the Conservative Party than a sensible contribution to a national debate – one comment deserves notice.
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader, has said that the wearing of the burka is analogous to a Christian wearing a crucifix. A moment’s reflection should have indicated to Ms Davidson that the analogy is false.
- The crucifix does not discriminate between women and men.
- The crucifix does not obscure any part of the person or personal identity.
- The crucifix is not mandated by any culture or sect, and so is worn purely as a matter of personal preference.
- Failing to wear the crucifix incurs no penalty or opprobrium.
It is true that an over-zealous bureaucracy has on occasion objected to the wearing of the crucifix, in a foolish attempt to impose political correctness. But that was precisely a manifestation of the illiberal attitudes against which Mr Johnson was arguing.
