Iranian women banned from karate competition because of Muslim veils

Iranian women were barred from karate competition because they insisted on wearing their Muslim veils. The women traveled to the Konishi Cup karate championships in Kalmar, Sweeden, only to end up sitting on the sidelines and watching the competition. The head referee Javier Escalante refused to issue "special dispensation."

Eleven Iranian woman were prevented from competing at the Konishi Cup karate championships in Kalmar at the beginning of August after they refused to remove their Muslim veils. [snip]

Escalante pointed instead to the rulebook, which clearly states that all competitors are forbidden to wear jewelry, necklaces or headgear. (The Local - Sweeden's News in English)

Can you imagine trying to compete in Karate while wearing any form of Muslim female dress? I can't. Hubby and I both took Karate and advanced pretty far. We never planned on competing in competition, but I can tell you I would not want to be wearing a headscarf or veil. This is the proper dress:

Other reading:

Hamas TV's child star says she's ready for martyrdom, Jihad Watch

Cheney's change of heart, (with video) at Fore-Left

And more pandering out of the Netherlands: Dutch Bishop sez let's call God "Allah", Confessions of a Closet Republican

Iraq political crisis summit set "On vacation but still working", Wake Up America

Radioactive in New Jersey?, Atlas Shrugs

Turkey In The Straw, Hey Hey Hey, Islamanazi

The Radioactive Candidate, Inside the Northwest Territory

The Berlin Wall, Public Domain Clipart

Meanwhile in Empire, Meanwhile in Palestine

I'm helping Layla out at The HILL Chronicles for the next few days, so all post will be cross posted over at her place.

Comments

[Mary]

We have had women wearing head scarves in our shotokan karate dojo, with full-length leggins and full-sleeve tops under their gi. It's never been a problem. As long as everyone(including guys) take off their jewelry, it's not an issue. I've been practicing for nearly 8 years now, and it's not an issue for me as a participant in a class, or when I'm teaching kids.
(Bellevue, WA)

[Debbie]

Michael, yes, I'm waiting for the outrage.

[michael]

But the rules were very clear.
--

But Debbie, don't you know that the rules are only for non-muslims? They have their own rules, and that trumps mere civil rules...

[Debbie]

Thomas, I wondered the same thing. Could be dangerous.

Michael, I'm waiting to hear the outrage. I'm sure it won't be long. But the rules were very clear.

[michael]

It's a safety issue, but how long before they start screaming, "Discrimination!"

[Thomas Hamilton]

I wonder how they even were able to practice their skills wearing those things, much less compete.