Auburn pool gets swim screen for Muslim women, page-20

Raider,

You said:

"My research suggests to me, that the deliberate wearing of confronting garments is not a religious requirement, its rather a status symbol."

It may be a status symbol for some, such as wearing expensive suits (for men) and expensive jewellery (for women), but, from my experience in having lived in another multicultural society (not Australia) for many years in my teens, the muslim garments are a religious requirement, at least for the traditional muslim women, not so much for muslim men or western educated muslim women.

I have no issues with them wearing their garments for religious reasons, but I would have issues if they wear them to show their pride in their faith. There is a subtle difference in that distinction.