By Vikki Campion and Petrina Berry January 16, 2009 12:00am
RETAILERS have backed calls for a ban on Muslim women wearing traditional hijabs, claiming it made it harder to identify offenders when a crime is committed.
Brisbane-based radio shock jock Michael Smith reignited national debate about the Muslim wear yesterday, adding a ban should also be placed on the full-faced burqa.
His calls were backed by the Retailers Association which said the ban should be in line with riders being forced to remove their helmets when entering a store or bank.
Executive director Scott Driscoll said the ban should also be expanded to include sunglasses, baseball caps and hoodie-style tops.
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"Retailers should not have to fear any form of retribution or backlash for requiring the removal of any obscuring headwear, including hijabs, as a condition of entry," Mr Driscoll told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
"This is about ensuring a more safe and secure retail environment for all and being able to readily identify any and all perpetrators of armed hold-ups or shop theft."
Islamic Friendship Association of Australia president Keysar Trad slammed the move and said it was sexual harassment to ask a Muslim woman to remove her hijab.
"It is like asking any woman to remove an item of clothing," Mr Trad said.
"It's a slur on Muslim women. They try to be outstanding citizens, they know they are under the spotlight, and they try to be a positive, constructive presence in society but they are subject to harassment and abuse like this."
Australian Retailers Association executive director Richard Evans distanced his organisation of more than 5000 members from Mr Driscoll's Queensland-based group.
"Banning the hijab or any cultural clothing to allow entry into a retail environment is misguided, uneducated, fear mongering."
