Intolerant tolerance?

So apparently the Netherlands is attempting to ban the burqa and other face coverings in public places. Sadly, the present environment is increasingly hostile towards Islam and this move isn't really problematic for most. However, an editorial in the Washington Post points out the irony of the situation:

"A country famous for tolerating prostitution, drug use, euthanasia and public nudity considers Muslim veiling beyond the pale." (see: Washington Post Editorial)


Forced secularism will get us nowhere. I really hope that everyday citizens recognize that such prohibitions on society are incredibly discriminatory and un-"democratic." While I don't neccessarily agree that drug use and public nudity should be accepted, in societies that do accept them as the norm - it is only fair that persons that choose not to engage in such acts are protected as well. Freedom and justice for all, innit?

Oh, and I'd like to see the U.S. reaction to this grossly un-democratic move ... oh wait, I don't think such a reaction exists. Blech.